Governor Inslee has released an updated Safe Start plan which allows for more flexibility for counties to apply for a variance. Under the updated requirements, Whatcom County is now eligible to apply for a variance to move to Phase 2. 

On Friday, May 29, Governor Inslee announced the expansion of Washington’s Safe Start Plan which will continue a county-by-county phased approach to reopening. The criteria for variance eligibility has changed, and Whatcom County is now eligible to apply for a variance as early as Monday, June 1st. 

Staff at the Whatcom County Health Department will prepare the necessary documents for the variance application. The Health Board will hold a special meeting early next week to discuss the variance application for Whatcom County to move into Phase 2 of Washington’s Phased Approach to reopening. The Whatcom County Council, acting as the Health Board, will approve the application before it is submitted.

At this time, Whatcom County remains in Phase 1 until our application is approved by the Secretary of Health. Residents and businesses are asked to continue following all principles outlined in the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, and Phase 1 guidelines until notified our application has been approved. Throughout all phases, continuing to practice physical distancing, good hand hygiene, and wearing masks remains essential to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.