Whatcom County Coronavirus Variant Update for 4/7/21

Coronavirus variants have been detected in Whatcom County, and there’s speculation about what they might mean for the pandemic and vaccination efforts. Here’s what we know right now.

What is a variant?

All viruses mutate. As they make copies of the...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 4/6/21

We’re making progress! As of April 3, 31.32% of Whatcom County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 20.10% of our community members are fully vaccinated. As of Sunday, April 4, 72% of Whatcom County resi...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update 3/30/21

We’re making progress! As of March 29, 27.94% of Whatcom County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 16.85% of our community members are fully vaccinated. As of Monday, March 29, 71% of eligible Whatcom ...

I’m fully vaccinated: What now?

Congrats! You are fully vaccinated! Here’s what you need to know:

What does “fully vaccinated” mean?

You are fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after the s...

The CDC's Guidelines for Traveling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 19, Governor Inslee rescinded the travel advisory he issued last November and advised Washingtonians to refer to the CDC’s COVID-19 travel advisory guidance.

The Governor didn’t rescind his travel advisory because it’...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Data Dashboard Updates

Yesterday, Tuesday, March 23, we updated our COVID-19 data page with a new Whatcom County specific Data Dashboard! This dashboard replaces the charts that were previously on our website. You can check out the new dashboard on our data page, and read below...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 3/23/21

We’re making progress! As of March 21, more than one quarter of Whatcom County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 13% of our community members are fully vaccinated.

Providers in Whatcom County are due t...

Phase 3 of the Roadmap to Recovery Begins Today, but Whatcom County Should Still Be Careful

Today, Whatcom County and the rest of Washington State move into Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery plan. That means we’re getting a step closer to normal. 

This is great news, but Whatcom County residents should sti...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 3/16/21

Vaccine Data

Providers in Whatcom County are due to receive 5,710 first doses and 5,180 second doses COVID-19 vaccine for the week of March 15th. 

As of March 13, 48,311 Whatcom County residents have received their first dose and 23,629 ha...

Whatcom County Moves to Phase 3 of Healthy Washington Plan on March 22

Yesterday, Governor Inslee announced new changes to the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery plan. On March 22, all counties in Washington will move into Phase 3. This means there will be fewer restrictions on private and business activities across th...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 3/9/21

Vaccine Data

Providers in Whatcom County are due to receive 2,370 first doses of and 2,600 second doses COVID-19 vaccine for the week of March 8th. The number of first doses includes 1,200 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only req...

Whatcom County Community Vaccination Clinic Opens to Public March 13

This week the large-scale collaborative COVID-19 vaccine clinic, the Community Vaccination Center (CVC), located on Bellingham Technical College’s main campus, is set to open to the public. The first clinic is this Saturday, March 13, between 9 ...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update 3/2/21

Providers in Whatcom County are due to receive 11,030 first doses and 1,900 second doses of COVID-19 vaccine for the week of March 1st. To date, providers in Whatcom County have received a total of 29,915 initial doses. As of Feb. 27, 30,969 Whatcom Count...

Variant B.1.1.7 Found in Whatcom County

Evidence for a new coronavirus variant previously reported elsewhere in Washington has now been found in Whatcom County. Variant B.1.1.7, commonly referred to as the UK variant, spreads more easily than the original COVID-19 strain. 

While this is...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 2/23/21

Providers in Whatcom County are due to receive 2,540 first doses and 3,270 second doses of COVID-19 vaccine for the week of Feb. 22. To date, providers in Whatcom County have received a total of 20,365 initial doses. As of Feb. 20, 25,996 (11.5%) Whatcom ...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 2/16/21

Providers in Whatcom County are due to receive zero first doses and 2,400 second doses of COVID-19 vaccine for the week of Feb. 15. To date, providers in Whatcom County have received a total of 17,825 initial doses. As of Feb. 10, 21,252 (9.43%) Whatcom C...

Whatcom County Moves to Phase 2 of Healthy Washington Plan

Data released today by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) enables the North Region, which includes Whatcom County, to move to Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery Reopening Plan.

Starting Monday, February 15 some additional ...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 2/9/21

Vaccines by the Numbers

Providers in Whatcom County are due to receive 3,275 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine for the week of Feb. 8. To date, providers in Whatcom County have received a total of 17,825 initial doses. As of Feb. 6, 19,258 Whatcom County res...

Whatcom County Vaccine Update for 2/3/2021

Vaccines by the Numbers

During the week of February 1st, providers in Whatcom County are due to receive 700 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. To date, providers in Whatcom County have received a total of 14,550 vaccine doses. 

See the graphic below ...

Corrections Made to Vaccine Update 1/26/21

We made an error in data reporting in our Vaccine Update newsflash published on Jan. 26. We mistakenly reported that 11,796 doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been given to Whatcom County residents. However, that number actually represents the number of doses ...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update 1/26/21

The new B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the “UK variant,” has been reported in Snohomish and Pierce counties. While this is certainly cause for concern, it is not cause for alarm.

Here’s what we know so fa...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update 1/20/21

Phase 1B Tier 1 (Phase 1B1) of COVID-19 vaccination has begun, but unfortunately this doesn't mean that all people in Phase 1B Tier 1 will be able to get their first shot right away. Anyone in Phase 1A or Phase 1B1 can get vaccinated now, but there is sti...

Whatcom County Vaccine Update 1/18/21

Washington State Department of Health has announced that we will start to move to Phase 1B Tier 1 today. This opens up vaccinations to people 65 and older, and people who are 50 and older who live in multigenerational households.  Due to limited ...

Whatcom County Vaccine Update 1/14/2021

While we are still currently in Phase 1A, Washington State Department Of Health (DOH) announced yesterday, January 13, that we will be moving to Phase 1B “in a matter of days.” We will provide an update when Whatcom C...

Soaring COVID-19 Case Rates Across Whatcom County

Recent data shows soaring case rates across all of Whatcom County, most strikingly in the northern regions of the county. Cases have skyrocketed in the areas of Lynden and Nooksack Valley. The 14-day case rate is over three times higher in the No...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Cases Are Higher Than Ever and Rising

Another wave of COVID-19 activity is sweeping over Whatcom County, and it’s the biggest one yet. Our case counts are higher than they’ve ever been. Since December 30, cases have been rising and doing so faster than ever before. As peop...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Right now, Whatcom County is in Phase 1a of Washington State’s Vaccine Allocation Plan. We know there is a lot of interest in the allocation, distribution, and administration of vaccines and questions about when people will be able to b...

Situational Update on COVID-19 Data

Some important updates to COVID-19 data are happening at the local and state level. Read more to learn about how we’re now including probable COVID-19 cases in our data reporting, and how to interpret recent test data with a bit of caution.

Antigen-positiv...

WCHD COVID-19 Vaccine Update 12/15/20

COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives in Washington State on Monday

The first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived Monday morning in Washington State and are soon to arrive in Whatcom County. Approximately 62,400 doses are expected this week, with a to...

Whatcom County Health Department Moves COVID-19 Testing Out of the Weather

Community low barrier testing for COVID-19, which has been provided by the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) and Whatcom Unified Command (WUC) at several locations throughout Whatcom County, will soon take place at one location. 

Between Nov...

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 holida...

GAME DAY GATHERINGS

Nothing says “autumn” like changing leaves, pumpkin spice, and fall sports. This time of year, many enjoy game day traditions ranging from tailgating and TV-watching parties to huddling along the sideline of their kids’ socce...

New guidelines ease restrictions for team sports

Fall is here, and for many people it’s a time to get involved in a variety of sports. Team sports are a source of physical and mental well-being for both children and adults and create a sense of belonging and community. Recent changes in Washin...

State Data Reporting Delay Affects Whatcom County COVID-19 Data Dashboards

On October 12, the Washington State Department of Health announced data issues that required a rollback of the COVID-19 data dashboard to include data only current as of 11:59 p.m. on 10/9/2020. The issue also impacted the COVID-19 risk ...

Physically Distanced but Socially Connected: Activities to do when the weather gets bad

Fall is here, and with it comes grey skies and rain. It was easier to get together outdoors with friends for social gatherings during the sunny days of summer, but the colder, wetter weather can make outdoor gatherings more difficult. But as Pacific North...

One COVID-19 mobile testing location to close after Oct. 7

Since August, Whatcom Unified Command (WUC) and the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) have partnered to provide community-wide low barrier testing for COVID-19 in seven locations around the county.

One of those locations, at Christ Fellowship Church ...

Halloween: Have a Spooky, Safe and Healthy Holiday

Halloween is on its way, and with everything we’ve been going through this year, we’re looking forward to the festivities it brings. Pumpkin carving, decorating our homes, and wearing costumes are all great ways to celebrate Halloween....

Emergency Preparedness

With wildfires in the West and hurricanes in the Southeast, our country is being hit with a variety of natural disasters. An emergency on its own, whether natural or human-caused, is incredibly destructive, but on top of a global pandemic could be catastr...

Protect Yourself from Flu During the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 infection is a top health concern for most of us, but flu season is fast approaching. Given the current pandemic, it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot and continue everyday healthy habits that help stop the spread of germs.

Du...

Small actions add up

In the past six months, we have been learning more and more about COVID-19. We have been learning about the different effects it can have on our bodies, as well as the ways it can spread from person to person. Each time we learn more, it adds to our abili...

Back to school readiness includes being up-to-date on shots

Preventing diseases with vaccines

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some children may have missed appointments to get immunizations. With the school year back in session, it’s a good time to get caught up and protect your child from preventable d...

COVID-19 and Chronic Stress

Now that we are almost six months into the COVID-19 pandemic in our county, most of us have adapted to our new way of life. Wearing a mask, staying physically distanced from others, and keeping closer to home are our new normal. But even if we have adapte...

We’ve Changed How We’re Reporting COVID-19 Race and Ethnicity Data

We’ve made two changes to the way we are now reporting COVID-19 data associated with race and ethnicity. Revising the methodology used to report demographic data for COVID-19 case rates in Whatcom County not only improves the clarity of the data...

How to Have a Safe Learning Pod

Most schools in Whatcom County have decided to begin the school year with distance learning. Parents are thinking about how to create the best learning environment for their children as the school year begins. Education is a vital asset to our children, a...

Staying Connected When We Have to Stay Apart

Because older adults have a higher risk of more serious illness from COVID-19, it’s especially important for them to stay home and limit close physical contact with people outside their household. But that doesn’t mean cutting off all ...

The Importance of Contact Tracing

We have a variety of tools we can use to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Mask wearing, maintaining physical distance and washing our hands are all ways we can keep ourselves and others safe. Another tool we use is contact tracing. Contact tracing helps ...

Mobile Testing Open in Bellingham Monday, August 17

The Bellingham location of our new mobile COVID-19 testing program will open to the public on Monday, August 17 at 211 East Champion Street. Tests will be available by appointment only.

Hours:

• Monday through Wednesday, August 17-19, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m
• Friday, ...

Recognizing the power of the polio vaccine

Vaccines are one of the most effective disease prevention tools we have and August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Countless deaths have been saved in the United States and across the world because of vaccines. We are waiting for a COVID-19 vacc...

Choosing the right mask

By now we know that one of the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to wear a mask when we are around anyone who is not a member of our household. But not all masks are created equal, and some offer more protection than others. Remember, it is poss...

Phase 2 Refresher

All Washington counties are on an indefinite pause of the Safe Start Washington plan, as COVID-19 case counts have continued to rise throughout the state. Whatcom County is currently in Phase 2. Here’s a quick reminder of what is and isn&rsq...

COVID-19 Risk Decision-making for Older Adults

Impact on older adults and our community

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, making decisions about how to interact with the world--from everyday activities to life-changing transitions--has been complicated and, at times, confusing. With each ch...

Wildfire smoke preparedness and COVID-19

Wildfire season could yet be on its way. The best way to protect yourself from wildfire smoke is to plan ahead to stay indoors and keep indoor air clean. We’re urging residents to take steps now to prepare for potential smoky d...

Low-barrier COVID-19 testing to expand, provided in partnership by WCHD & WUC

Beginning Monday, August 10, the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) and Whatcom Unified Command (WUC) will begin field testing a low-barrier, mobile COVID-19 testing model. A fully operational mobile testing program is expected to begin within two we...

Whatcom County Health Department Seeks Input via Online Survey

Whatcom County Health Department has partnered with Whatcom Unified Command and researchers at Western Washington University to launch a survey to learn more about COVID-19-related decisions and actions in different settings.

We all know the drill: wash yo...

New Funding to Support Rent and Mortgage Payments Now Available in Whatcom County

The Whatcom County Health Department is working with local partners to implement two new housing assistance programs funded by the CARES Act that will provide over $3,300,000 for Whatcom County households that have been financially impacted by COVID-19. T...

Health Officer Recommends Remote Start for Schools

Decisions about how to effectively teach students while keeping them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic are difficult to make. Public health experts and schools in our community and across the country are weighing these decisions carefully.

We Recommend Sta...

Find your party of 5

Time with friends and family is precious and important for our mental and physical health. It can be tempting to put the COVID-19 pandemic out of our minds or to downplay the seriousness of it, especially if no one in your circle has been infected. But ac...

Cooling off carefully: Safe water recreation

Summer is here, and it is a hot one! Many of us are enjoying staycations this summer rather than travelling, and our waterfronts are getting crowded with people trying to beat the heat. Cooling off at one of our beautiful beaches always feels great. But w...

Testing is just one tool in our toolbox

Using the right tool for a task is more efficient and usually gets better results. Testing is an essential tool to help control the spread of COVID-19, but it’s not the only tool in our toolbox. Some of the tools we have can be used by each of u...

Two new charts added to Whatcom County’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard

We’ve added two new charts to our Data Dashboard page today to provide more information about COVID-19 activity in our county.

The first is a map that shows the rate of newly identified cases over the previous 14 days by location of residence wit...

New guidance for face coverings: when and where you should wear them

On July 25th, Washington State updated the requirements for wearing face coverings. Face coverings are now required in any common spaces where you can’t socially distance. This includes places such as:

• Elevators.
• Hallways, courtyards,  an...

Updated Guidance for Phase 2

On Thursday, Governor Jay Inslee announced an update to the Safe Start plan for reopening Washington State. The new measures aim to have social gatherings take place less often, last for shorter amounts of time, and to take place in safer environments. Fo...

The most important COVID number for you to watch

Since the pandemic began, many of us have been closely following data about COVID-19 to track numbers about infections both near and far. It turns out that the most important COVID-19 number to watch is the number of people you gather with. And good news:...

Testing, Insurance, and Costs

Navigating and understanding medical insurance can be challenging at any time, but even more so during a pandemic. Here’s what you need to know about insurance and testing for COVID-19.

Get Insurance and a Healthcare Provider Before You Need Test...

Results from Drive-Through Testing Pilot

Whatcom County concluded its second round of pilot COVID-19 drive-through testing at the Bellingham Civic Field Complex on Saturday afternoon. No-cost testing was provided without an appointment or healthcare provider referral to over 1,800 people over fo...

Share Compassion, Not COVID

Share Compassion, not COVID-19

We’re all weary of the ongoing effort to protect our community from the impact of COVID-19. At times, we may feel angry, fearful, anxious, or overwhelmed. It can make it all the more challenging to practice empathy ...

Summer Activities for Children

School is finished for the year, and, while the start of summer is typically an exciting time for kids, this summer is turning out to be pretty different than what many of us had in mind. While some camps, sports and other activities may not be happening ...

Weekend Pilot Drive-Through Testing Site Recap

Whatcom County Pilots a Drive-Through Testing Site

Whatcom County concluded its pilot COVID-19 drive-through testing program on Saturday afternoon. The testing site was located at Bellingham’s Civic Field Complex, and ran Friday, July 10 and Satu...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Data Page Updates

Every Monday, we update two charts on our COVID-19 Data Page showing local data that are not yet part of the interactive data dashboard. This week we’ve also added county-level metrics associated with Washington’s phased reopening plan...

New Resources Website for Whatcom County Providers

Our local care providers work hard for our safety, from managing their daily duties to keeping up with the rapid influx of new information received daily. To support this critical work, the Whatcom County Health Department launched a new website tailored ...

This Summer Sports Leagues Are Out, but Safety Is In!

Now that it’s summer, many of us would be spending time on the soccer field or baseball diamond. Unfortunately, sports leagues have had to pause on their summer season this year. Youth and adult leagues through our city Parks and Recs department...

Whatcom County Launches “Safer. Stronger. Together” Campaign

If you visit any local stores or restaurants in the days and weeks to come, you’ll probably start noticing some new signs or posters promoting Whatcom County’s new “Safer. Stronger. Together.” campaign. 

Saf...

Whatcom County is expanding COVID-19 testing

Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) and Whatcom Unified Command (WUC) are partnering with Northwest Laboratory and the City of Bellingham to increase access to COVID-19 testing in Whatcom County. On Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11, they will pilot...

Whatcom County Health Department COVID-19 response still operating over the holiday weekend

The Whatcom County Health Department will be closed for all non-COVID-19 related operations on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. 

COVID-19 response services will continue to operate on Friday and over the weekend. This includes c...

Friends don’t give friends COVID-19

With summer here, and more businesses and activities open again in Phase 2, many of us are excited about getting out of the house to reconnect with friends and family. But there’s still a risk of giving or getting COVID-19. If someone invites yo...

This Fourth of July - Celebrate Small, Celebrate Safely

Summer is here, and Fourth of July, our biggest summer celebration, is coming up. Many of us look forward to this holiday and the traditions it brings, including barbecues, picnics, and fireworks. This year, however, will be different. We know it may be d...

The Importance of Masks: Small Actions with Big Results

Did you know that a family of mice can increase to over 100,000 mice in a single year? Now:  imagine that the first two mice never met. That’s a difference of 99,998 mice.

COVID-19 can work like this, too. Preventing a single new infecti...

How safe is it? A guide to COVID-19 risk

Each of us looks at risks differently. Some like to play poker or go bungee jumping, others do not. 

When it comes to COVID-19, the risks you take affect you personally, and they also affect your community. It’s not just about preventing...

How to talk to friends and family about COVID-19

COVID-19 has been present in our community for a few months and has drastically changed how we live. Unfortunately, there is some misinformation about it, and some people aren’t taking it seriously. It can be difficult to talk to someone who doe...

Face Coverings Required Statewide in Washington

New face covering requirement starts Friday

Beginning Friday, June 26, everyone in Washington is required to wear a cloth face covering in public when you cannot stay six feet away from others. This is a public health order issued by Wash...

Whatcom County is not eligible to apply for Phase 3 this week

Whatcom County will not be eligible to apply for Phase 3 of Washington State’s Safe Start reopening plan on Friday, June 26th. Friday marks three weeks since we moved into Phase 2. Unfortunately, we do not meet all of the eligibility requirement...

Phase 2 in Whatcom County: Evaluating Our Progress

Whatcom County is regularly evaluating how COVID-19 is being spread through our community and our progress in responding to it. Right now we are in Phase 2 of Washington’s Safe Start plan and are working hard to be able to move to Phase 3. The m...

PSP Biotoxin at Dangerous Levels in Whatcom County

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxin has increased to dangerous levels in mussels in Whatcom County, with levels capable of causing illness detected from Lummi Bay north to the Canadian border. Biotoxin levels exceed safe harvest limits for all mo...

Resources are available for people with financial hardships due to COVID-19

COVID-19 has caused economic uncertainty and hardship for millions of Americans. Many people have lost work or been laid off or have missed work due to having to quarantine or isolate. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help those struggli...

Isolation and Quarantine: Your Questions Answered

One of the most effective tools we have to slow the spread of COVID-19 is “boxing the virus in.” This includes isolating yourself if you have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, and quarantining yourself if you have been exposed...

Gatherings in May lead to COVID-19 Outbreaks

We are investigating a series of COVID-19 outbreaks connected to large recreational and social gatherings held in Whatcom County in late May. Some attendees of large gatherings and parties hosted at private residences have since been diagnosed with COVID-...

Responding to COVID-19 Outbreaks

Responding to contagious disease is one of the most important functions of a public health system. How do health officials keep outbreaks from impacting the entire community?

Whatcom County is now in Phase 2 of Washington State’s Safe Start plan....

Whatcom County COVID-19 Data Charts Have Been Updated

Two Charts Updated Weekly

Every Monday we update two charts showing data that are not yet part of the interactive data dashboard. While we will continue to update weekly, we will no longer send a newsflash to alert you to these weekly updates.

These charts ...

Yes, you can get tested for COVID-19.

Everyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested as soon as possible. If you think you have symptoms, or if you’ve been exposed to someone who has received a positive test result, please follow these steps to get tested right away. Testing a...

Whatcom’s Phase 2 Application Accepted

Our hard work has paid off, and the Washington State Secretary of Health has accepted our application to move to Phase 2 of Washington’s Safe Start Plan. Effective immediately, we can move into Phase 2. 

So What’s New in Phase ...

New COVID-19 Data Dashboard Now Available

We know data can be ... well … confusing. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to improve how we share COVID-19 data with a new, interactive COVID-19 data dashboard. The new dashboa...

Whatcom County Submits Phase 2 Application

We’ve submitted an application to the Washington State Department of Health to move into Phase 2 of Safe Start Washington. The application was submitted following a vote from the Whatcom County Council, acting in their role as the Health Board, ...

We're Applying for Phase 2!

Today is a pivotal day on the COVID-19 calendar. Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order has expired. That doesn’t mean life switches over to what it was before; it means counties may turn the dial by appl...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Data Update

The charts on our website with numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases and COVID-19-attributed deaths were updated for the week of Sunday, May 24 through Saturday, May 30. In the past week we reported 26 new confirmed cases. We had reported one new d...

Whatcom County is eligible to apply to move to Phase 2

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, Governo...

Yes, Whatcom County is Still in Phase 1 of Reopening

Right now, staying home except for essential trips is limiting the spread of COVID-19. The Stay Home, Stay Healthy directive is still in place and Whatcom County is still in Phase 1 of the “Safe Start” plan for reopening. Moving to Pha...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Data Update

We’ve updated the charts on our website showing the weekly number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 attributed deaths with numbers for the week of Sunday, May 17 through Saturday, May 23. In the past week there have been no new d...

Is it safe to gather with friends?

Right now, staying home except for essential trips is working to limit the spread of COVID-19. The fewer interactions we have with people outside of our household, the fewer chances there will be to spread the virus. This is the easiest way to st...

Grieving During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Grieving loss is a painful life experience made more difficult and lonely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus pandemic has taken hundreds of thousands of lives across the world and complicated the grief process for millions more. 

Almost...

Whatcom County Cloth Face Covering Directive

Today we issued a Local Health Officer Directive that directs everyone to wear cloth face coverings while in any public indoor and outdoor locations where a person will be within six feet of someone who they don’t live with. As summer approaches...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Data Update

We are committed to sharing reliable and meaningful information about the COVID-19 outbreak as soon as we are able. This week, we’ve updated our website to include:

• The weekly number of confirmed cases and COVID-19 attributed deaths for ...

Mental Health and Social Isolation During Stay Home, Stay Healthy

Mental Health and Social Isolation During Stay Home, Stay Healthy

One of the most important ways we can slow the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home and physically distance ourselves from others. Unfortunately, this method of containing the spread of the vi...

Returning to Work After COVID-19 Illness or Exposure (Guide for Essential and Healthcare Workers)

If you’re an essential worker or healthcare worker that tested positive for COVID-19, or has been exposed to someone who has, you may be wondering what to do and when it’s ok to return to work. Here’s what you need to know.&a...

Talking with Children about COVID-19

COVID-19 is on everyone’s minds right now. Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make you feel out of control and make it unclear what to do. When you feel this way, your kids may feel it too, and they often can sense the way you&a...

COVID Employer Support Task Force Launching to Provide Guidance to Local Businesses

On April 23, 2020, the Public Health Advisory Board began the process to create a Task Force made up of community members representing a variety of employment sectors, from retail to agriculture. Task Force members will work with health department staff t...

Weekly COVID-19 Data Update

We’ve updated the charts on our website that show the weekly number of confirmed cases and COVID-19 attributed deaths with numbers for the week of Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9.

Five deaths attributed to COVID-19 were reported to us duri...

Becoming a Parent during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Adjusting to parenthood is challenging in the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic. Needing to stay away from others along with hearing daily information about the COVID-19 outbreak can add to feelings of anxiety and depression in new parents...

Contact Tracing to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

Knowing where and how people could have been exposed to COVID-19 can help slow the spread of infection in our community. Contact tracing - a part of our disease investigations -  contains further spread of COVID-19 by identifying people who have ...

Everyone Deserves Safety and Support

Safety Alert: Computer use can be monitored. If you are afraid your internet usage might be monitored by a domestic partner, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787&a...

Northern Whatcom County Beaches Closed to Recreational Shellfish Harvest

Paralytic shellfish poisoning biotoxin has reached unsafe levels in molluscan
shellfish in Drayton Harbor. Recreational shellfish harvesting is closed on all beaches from Birch Point north to the Canadian Border, including all of Point Roberts.

We're Still Here to Help - Just From a Distance.

You’ve been hearing a lot from us about how public health plays an important role in keeping our community healthy. Although much of the Health Department staff has been busy responding to the COVID-19 crisis and our offices are temporarily clos...

Mental Health and COVID-19

Every May, we mark Mental Health Awareness Month, acknowledging the millions of Americans who live with a mental illness every day. We know that dealing with COVID-19 makes this even more challenging. Now more than ever is a time to resist mental health s...

Weekly COVID-19 data update

The charts on our website showing the total number of confirmed cases in Whatcom County have been updated for the week beginning Sunday, April 26 to Saturday, May 2nd. 

There were 29 new cases of COVID-19 reporting during the past week, which is a...

Washington's Phased Approach & More Access to Outdoor Recreation

On Tuesday, May 5th, state lands are set to reopen as part of Washington’s phased approach to reopen businesses and outdoor recreation. Phase 1 begins on May 5th. 

• In addition to public lands, more businesses will begin to open ...

Got Symptoms? Get Tested!

COVID-19 testing capacity is growing in Whatcom County, and that means that more people can get tested. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19 below, stay home and contact your healthcare provider to ask about how to get tested. ...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 28, 2020

On April 28, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting three (3) new confirmed case of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases is now 293 and the number of deaths associated with the illness is now 28. 

The average number of ne...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 27, 2020

On April 27, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting one (1) new confirmed case of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases is now 290 and the number of deaths remains at 27. 

The number of new, confirmed COVID-19 cases each d...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 26, 2020

On April 26, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting five (5) new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases is now 289 and the number of deaths remains at 27. 

Visit our COVID-19 website for complete...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 25, 2020

On April 25, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting one (1) new confirmed case of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases is now 284 and the number of associated deaths remains at 27.

Visit our COVID-19 website for complete case numb...

Whatcom County Executive Delays Payment Deadlines, Waives Late Fees for Restaurants and Taverns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2020  

Media Contact: Melissa Morin, Communications Specialist

Phone: (360) 594-2504

E-mail address: mmorin@co.whatcom.wa.us

Whatcom County Executive Delays Payment Deadlines, Waives Late Fees for Restaurants a...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 24, 2020

On April 24, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting one (1) new confirmed case of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases is now 283 and the number of associated deaths remains at 27.

Visit our COVID-19 website for complete case numb...

WUC Opens Isolation, Quarantine Facility; Medical Referral Required

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThursday, April 23, 2020Media Contact: Claudia Murphy, Joint Information CenterPhone: (360) 815-2701E-mail address: WUC_JIC@co.whatcom.wa.usA motel facility opened Wednesday, April 22, on Byron Avenue in Bellingham, to provid...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 23, 2020

On April 23, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting one (1) new confirmed case of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases is now 282 and the number of associated deaths remains at 27.

Visit our COVID-19 website for complete case numb...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 22, 2020

On April 22, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting one (1) new confirmed case of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases is now 281 and the number of associated deaths remains at 27.

Visit our COVID-19 website for complete case numb...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 21, 2020

On April 21, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting two (2) new confirmed case of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases is now 280 and the number of associated deaths remains at 27.

Visit our COVID-19 website for complete case numb...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 20, 2020

On April 20, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting one (1) new confirmed case of COVID-19 and one (1) new death. The total number of confirmed cases is 278 and the total number of associated deaths is 27.

Visit our COVID-19 website for co...

Balancing Teleworking & Distance Learning

Many of us don’t have experience teleworking or teaching our children from home. We’re facing challenges trying to help our children adjust to distance learning while we’re also adjusting to remote work routines. Having patie...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 19, 2020

On April 19, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting one (1) new confirmed case of COVID-19 and one (1) new death. The total number of confirmed cases is 277, and the number of associated deaths is 26.

Visit our COVID-19 website for complet...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 18, 2020

On April 18, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting five (5) new confirmed case of COVID-19 and zero (0) new deaths. The total number of confirmed cases is 276, and the number of associated deaths remains at 25.

Please note that the data t...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 17, 2020

On April 17, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting zero (0) new confirmed case of COVID-19 and zero (0) new deaths. The total number of confirmed cases is 271, and the number of associated deaths remains at 25.

We are pleased to report th...

For family and friends of long term care facility residents

Do you have a loved one who is a resident of a long term care facility, nursing home, or assisted living facility? We know it’s very challenging to be separated from your loved ones right now. Know that the protection of your loved ones&rsqu...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 16, 2020

On April 16, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting two (2) new confirmed case of COVID-19 and zero new deaths. This brings the number of confirmed cases to 271. The number of associated deaths remains at 25.

The Washington State Departmen...

Keep Our Open Spaces Safe Places During COVID-19

It’s starting to feel more like Spring in our lovely corner of the Pacific Northwest, and that means we may be eager to use our county’s extensive trail and park network. Getting outside can reduce stress, keep you physically active, a...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 15, 2020

On April 15, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting four (4) new confirmed case of COVID-19 and zero new deaths. This brings the number of confirmed cases to 269. The number of associated deaths remains at 25.

The Washington State Departme...

County Health Director recommends summer event cancellations

Whatcom Unified Command (WUC), which includes the Whatcom County Health Department as a lead partner, is working to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 locally.  Consistent with that key objective, and in line with recent simulation model...

Whatcom County Health Department briefs press on COVID-19 model

One of public health’s core functions is to lead community-wide planning and response efforts during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Our decision-making is based on science and the best available data. We collect, synthesiz...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 14, 2020

On April 14, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting one (1) new confirmed case of COVID-19 and two (2) additional deaths associated with the illness. This brings the county’s total number of confirmed cases to 265 and the total ...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 13, 2020

On April 13, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting one (1) new case of COVID-19 in Whatcom County. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 264. The total number of deaths remains at 23 in Whatcom County.

Visit our COVID-19 webs...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 12, 2020

On April 12, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting two (2) new cases of COVID-19 in Whatcom County. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 263. The total number of deaths remains at 23 in Whatcom County. 

Visit our&am...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 11, 2020

On April 11, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting eleven (11) new cases of COVID-19 in Whatcom County and no new deaths related to the illness.  This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 261. The total number of deaths...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for April 10, 2020

On April 10, 2020, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting seven (7) new cases of COVID-19 in Whatcom County and two (2) new deaths related to the illness.  This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 250 and the total number of ...

Farmers Market to Open with Support from Whatcom County Health Department

The Bellingham Farmers Market will open for the season on Saturday, April 11th. Farmers Markets are listed as essential businesses, just like grocery stores, under the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order.

Rapid COVID-19 Testing for High Priority Populations Now Available from WCHD

Rapid COVID-19 Testing for High Priority Populations Now Available from Whatcom County Health Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *UPDATE / CORRECTION*April 3, 2020 Media Contact: Claudia Murphy, WUC Public Information OfficerPhone: ...