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 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.