News Flash Home
The original item was published from 11/20/2020 5:31:47 PM to 11/20/2020 5:38:00 PM.

News Flash

Health - Public Health News

Posted on: November 20, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Community Asked to Avoid Gatherings and Use COVID-19 Testing Services Only When Necessary

The low-barrier mobile COVID-19 testing that we have been offering to our community members has reached maximum capacity. Many more people are seeking COVID-19 tests due to a sharp increase in virus activity and a desire to travel or gather for the holidays. We are still offering COVID-19 tests to everyone, but we are asking community members to use the service only when necessary. 


Why It’s Important

Whatcom County Health Officer Dr. Greg Stern has asked residents who’ve signed up for non-essential COVID-19 tests to consider canceling their appointments or scheduling appointments with a primary care provider. We want to make sure there is space available for those who need to get tested the most: people with COVID-19 symptoms, members of vulnerable populations, close contacts of people diagnosed with COVID-19, and people who require a COVID-19 test before undergoing medical procedures.


“At this time we aren’t limiting our testing services,” Dr. Stern said, “but we are asking people who aren’t sick or at risk to not to make appointments at our testing site right now. We need to make sure that testing isn’t delayed for those with the greatest need.” 


Stay Home this Holiday

Dr. Stern also reminded people that they should not be traveling or gathering with others outside their immediate households while there’s so much virus activity in the community. He asked Whatcom County residents to stay home this Thanksgiving and not get tested unless they experience symptoms related to COVID-19 or a health official has told them they need to get tested.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Health - Public Health News

June Pop-up Clinics

Posted on: May 26, 2023

April COVID-19 and Flu Pop-up Clinic

Posted on: April 3, 2023

March Pop-up Clinics

Posted on: February 28, 2023

February Pop-up Clinics

Posted on: January 30, 2023

January Pop-up Clinics

Posted on: December 29, 2022

December Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Posted on: November 28, 2022

November Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Posted on: October 31, 2022

October Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Posted on: October 3, 2022

Upcoming Free Septic Homeowner Trainings

Posted on: September 28, 2022

How to Report At-Home COVID-19 Test Results

Posted on: September 15, 2022

September Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Posted on: September 2, 2022