These updates will include COVID-19 news, summarize publicly available COVID-19 and vaccination data, and provide some context and details to help you understand what’s happening with COVID-19 in our community.

Currently, this report covers the month of March (3/1-3/31). Unless there are new COVID-19 developments such as a surge, we will be continue with monthly updates and reports. You can find the data report, plus additional data, at www.whatcomcounty.us/coviddata.

Updates

Whatcom County experienced a decline in confirmed and probable COVID-19 case counts during March. The 7-day average daily case count decreased to 18 cases per day. The last time confirmed and probable case counts were measured at this level was in mid-July 2021 toward the beginning of the Delta variant surge.

Masking and COVID measures in schools. While the mask mandate was lifted for many settings, including K-12 schools, on March 12, remember that masks remain a tool for schools to require for people recovering from COVID-19 or during outbreaks.

CDC community level. CDC COVID-19 community levels are updated on Thursday evenings. Like checking air quality during wildfire season, it’s a good idea to regularly check community levels to see if you should adjust or postpone activities. 

Therapeutics. Are you at risk of severe COVID-19 and just tested positive? Treatments such as monoclonal antibodies and oral antiviral medications can help you avoid severe illness and hospitalization.

To be effective, treatment needs to start within the first few days after a COVID-19 diagnosis. If you have symptoms, it’s important to test quickly--especially if you are at high risk. If you have COVID-19, talk to a health care provider about available treatment options.

COVID-19 data highlights (Month of March)

This report is currently published monthly to provide a narrative of current COVID-19 trends, data not available elsewhere online, and a more in-depth analysis of COVID-19- related topics of interest. This report references data obtained from the Washington State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard, DOH Sequencing and Variants Report, DOH Breakthrough Surveillance Report, and the WCHD’s Data Dashboard and other COVID-related data. Note that information on these topics is rapidly evolving, and the data are always changing. 

Whatcom County experienced a decline in confirmed and probable COVID-19 case counts during March. The 7-day average daily case count decreased to 18 cases per day. The last time confirmed and probable case counts were measured at this level was in mid-July 2021 toward the beginning of the Delta variant surge. 

The 7-day rate for COVID-19 hospitalizations by specimen date among Whatcom County residents fell to 1.3 per 100K by the end of the month. A significant drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations occurred among individuals 65 and older during the month of March. 

The mask mandate across Washington State was lifted starting on March 12th. WA DOH provided new guidance for schools, child care, day camps, and other youth activities. Beginning March 30, the WA DOH announced that those 50 years and older as well as certain immunocompromised individuals may begin to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose four months after receiving their first booster dose. 

Information for COVID-19 vaccinations by race and ethnicity is now available on the DOH dashboard. 

Vaccination Progress and Clinics

Second booster doses. People age 50 and older and certain immunocompromised individuals can now get a second booster dose of an mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after receiving their initial booster dose. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) updated its booster dose recommendations following guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

DOH’s updated booster dose recommendations are as follows:

• Everyone 12 and older should receive a booster dose five months after completing their two-dose vaccine series of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months after receiving the single-shot Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine.
• Everyone 50 and older can receive a second booster dose four months after receiving their first booster dose.
• Individuals 12 and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised can receive a second booster dose four months after receiving their first booster dose.
• Those 18 and older who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of the J&J vaccine four months ago can receive a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Upcoming pop-up clinics

Nooksack Valley Middle School, 404 W Columbia St., Nooksack

• Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Vaccines available: Pfizer, Moderna, Pfizer-Pediatrics
• Walk-ins welcome

East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, 8251 Kendall Road, Maple Falls

• Thursday, April 21, 4 - 7 p.m.
• Vaccines available: Pfizer, Moderna, Pfizer-Pediatrics
• Walk-ins welcome

Lynden School District Offices (Old Lynden Middle School Cafeteria), 516 Main St., Lynden

• Friday, April 22, 4-7 p.m.
• Vaccines available: Pfizer, Moderna, Pfizer-Pediatrics
• Walk-ins welcome

For an updated list, please visit whatcomcounty.us/covidvaccine.