New Weekend Hours At COVID-19 Community Testing Site Start May 28

Starting Saturday, May 28, the COVID-19 community testing site at the Bellingham International Airport will have reduced morning operating hours on weekends. Testing hours Monday through Friday will not change.

COVID-19 testing appointments are a...

Children Ages 5-11 Now Eligible for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Booster Dose

Children ages 5-11 are now eligible to receive a single Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster in Washington State.

• If your child has a healthy immune system, they can get their booster at least five (5) months after their primary series.
• If your child ha...

The CDC’s COVID-19 dashboard shows Whatcom at ‘low’ risk. The reality is more nuanced.

You may have noticed that the CDC has moved Whatcom County back to ‘low’ on their COVID-19 dashboard. The reality is that our case rates continue to hover on the border between low and medium based on CDC criteria. The agency&rsquo...

COVID-19 drugs work best when taken at the start of illness

If you're at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and test positive, start drug treatments right away

For people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, drugs are available that can reduce your chances of severe illness ...

Avian Influenza detected in Whatcom County backyard flock; Prevention important for domestic birds

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has confirmed Whatcom County’s first case of avian influenza in a backyard flock. Bird owners should take measures now to prevent contact between their animals and wild birds to prevent infec...

Food System Committee Seeks Community Input on Priorities and Goals

Community members are invited to participate in an online survey to gather input on Whatcom County’s food system and proposed goals for a revised food plan. The food system is a network of people and activities connecting production, transformat...

Whatcom moves from low to medium on CDC's COVID-19 tracker: Get tips on how to stay healthy

The CDC has moved Whatcom County from low to medium on its COVID-19 Community Tracker. Here are some important steps you and your family can take to stay healthy, protect our most vulnerable, and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community:

• Stock...

So, what do you do when your at-home COVID-19 test is positive?

Report your positive home test by calling the Washington State Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127. This hotline is staffed seven days a week. Mondays 6 am - 10 pm and Tuesdays through Sundays 6 am - 6 pm.

Isolate yourself away from others, including ot...

Suspected botulism death in Washington State; Learn more about safe canning

A man is suspected of dying from botulisum poisoning after eating food canned at home. This tragic incident is a reminder to always follow safety precautions when processing home-canned foods.

It can be hard to tell if home-canned food is ...

Updates to Whatcom County Health Department Community Pop-up Vaccination Clinics

Starting in May, the Whatcom County Health Department will adjust operations at Whatcom County hosted pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics to better align with current demand. This means there will be fewer clinics in May. Signage will be provided to all c...

Point Roberts Free Green Waste Drop Off Days Start May 14

As the community of Point Roberts recovers from the effects of pandemic border closures, the Health Department has teamed up with Cando Recycling and Disposal to offer free green waste disposal for residents and property owners in the community. ...

Free One Day Health Fair at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center Planned for May 21

On Saturday, May 21, the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center will transform into a healthcare center, offering community members free health, vision, and dental services at the Catherine Mahaffey East Whatcom Wellness Fair. Lo...

Upcoming Pop up COVID Vaccine Clinics, 4/22/22

Where to get vaccinated. Adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you’d go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Some of these providers also vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds. There are...

Whatcom County COVID Update for 4/15/22

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 Ma...

Whatcom County Health Department Launches New COVID-19 Data Dashboard

On Thursday, April 14, the Whatcom County Health Department debuted a new COVID-19 Data Dashboard, replacing the previous dashboard on the Whatcom County COVID-19 Data page. The dashboard provides summary information on COVID-19 in Whatcom County. The das...

Upcoming Pop up COVID Vaccine Clinics 4/8/22

Where to get vaccinated. Adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you’d go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Some of these providers also vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds....

Whatcom County Health Department Launches New Response Division

On Friday, April 1st, the Whatcom County Health Department officially launched its Response Systems Division, a new division focused on serving people in mental or behavioral health crises and building infrastructure to provide coordinated services. The d...

Whatcom County COVID Update for 4/1/22

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, our updates and external...

Upcoming pop-up vaccine clinics, March 25

A federal program that reimburses providers for vaccinating uninsured people is ending April 5. However, the health department's pop-up clinics are funded through a different program and will be able to vaccinate people without insurance at no co...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 3/18/22

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, our updates and external...

Pop-up vaccine clinics for the week of March 13

Where to get vaccinated. Adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you’d go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Some of these providers also vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds....

What to know about the March 12 mask mandate changes

On March 12, the statewide mask mandate will be lifted for many, but not all, places in Washington state. Here’s what you need to know.

• Local COVID-19 conditions and why it’s safe to lift the mandate
• The mask mandate still applies in hea...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 3/4/22

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.

Beginning this week, these updates ...

Change to Washington State Mask Requirements on March 12

On Saturday, March 12, Washington State will begin to relax its indoor mask requirements in response to updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). COVID-19 cases and new hospitalizations have rapidly declined in the last f...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 2/25/22

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 2/18/22

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 2/11/22

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 2/4/22

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update wil...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 1/28/22

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Understanding COVID-19 At-Home Tests

Rapid Home Tests 

Now that rapid home tests from federal and state agencies are starting to arrive in people’s mailboxes, here’s a refresher on when to use them, how to understand the results, and what to do if you test positiv...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 1/21/22

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 1/14/22

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Back to Basics for the Omicron Surge

Whatcom County, we are in the Omicron surge. We are seeing several hundred cases every day and new daily and weekly records have been set and broken multiple times this week alone. It’s time to get Back to Basics and review what we know about CO...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 1/7/22

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 12/30/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Update #2 on the airport testing site: Dec. 30

Another update on the airport testing site, Dec 30: The airport testing site is open and Northwest Laboratory expects to operate through 6 p.m. as scheduled. If you have a scheduled appointment at the Meridian testing site, that is also open.

NWL also expe...

Update on the airport testing site: Dec. 30

Update on the airport testing site today, Dec. 30: the site is run by our testing partner, Northwest Laboratory. They are making decisions about whether the site is open or closed based on conditions at the site. We will update you as soon as we hear of a...

Extreme Cold Weather Forces Adaptive COVID-19 Test Scheduling

Due to various challenges related to the extreme cold weather, we’ve had to adjust the hours at the COVID-19 testing site we operate jointly with Northwest Laboratory:

• The site will operate from 3 - 6 p.m. today, Dec. 29. Only people with an exis...

Risk Reduction Checklist for Holiday Gatherings

Given the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, you may be wondering whether to go ahead with your holiday gathering plans. Omicron is highly transmissible, and immunity from previous COVID-19 infections or two-dose vaccination appears less effective at pr...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 12/17/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Whatcom County Health Department Looks Back on a Year of COVID-19 Vaccination

The first doses of COVID-19 vaccine were given in Whatcom County on December 18, 2020. Those 23 doses marked the beginning of a tremendous community effort by hundreds of health care workers, public health professionals, and volunteers to vaccinate Whatco...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 12/10/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 12/3/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

The Omicron variant

Over the holiday weekend, news stories broke about a new coronavirus variant, Omicron. Because this is a new variant, it will be a few weeks before we know more about how transmissible it is, whether it causes more severe disease, and how much the vaccine...

Taking care of your emotional health after a natural disaster

Dealing with the aftermath of a flood is, needless to say, a very stressful time. Taking care of you and your family’s mental and emotional health is a crucial step as you cope with cleanup and recovery.

Common reactions 

Many people have...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 11/19/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Changes to this week's pop-up vaccine clinics

Due to flooding and weather-related safety concerns, the Whatcom County Health Department announces the following changes to this week’s pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics:

• The Nov. 18 vaccine clinic for ages 5 and older at the East Whatcom Regional...

How to Stay Safe When You Can’t Stay Dry

Record rainfall has flooded much of Whatcom County, displacing many from their homes and causing a lot of damage. Flood water can also contaminate wells and septic systems and make you sick if you come into contact with it. Make sure you take care around ...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 11/12/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Vaccine supply for 5- to 11-year-olds

COVID-19 vaccines have been available for 5- to 11-year-olds for just a week, and we know that there are many families who are looking for appointments for their children. Here’s what we know about the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine supply.

The vacci...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 11/5/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Getting Your Child Vaccinated for COVID-19

Kids ages 5-11 are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination! It’s natural and normal to ask questions about the big decisions you make on behalf of your children. Getting your child vaccinated against COVID-19 is no exception. That’s why ...

Don’t Forget the Flu

You’ve heard all year how important the COVID-19 vaccine is for your health, and your community’s health too. But there’s another inoculation to take care of as we head into winter: the flu vaccine.

Thanks to COVID-19 protecti...

If You’re Planning a Holiday Gathering, Plan to Limit Risk

If you’re planning on having family or friends over for the holidays, or if you’re planning to attend a gathering, take steps to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission for yourself and the other guests. 

The first and best thi...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 10/29/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

What’s the Deal with Boosters and Third Doses Now?

After completing the FDA and CDC review processes, booster doses were authorized in Washington State last Friday, October 22, for people who finished their Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccination series. Previously, only certain Pfizer recipients wer...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 10/22/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

How to Have a Eerily Safe Halloween in 2021

Given the recent surge driven by the delta variant, it’s understandable to feel a little spooked about Halloween this year. It’s also understandable to want to dress up for a party or stock up on candy for all the trick-or-treaters you...

Tips for Safe Holiday Travels

Traveling does increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated greatly reduces your risk of getting or spreading the COVID-19 virus. Even so, there’s still a small chance you can get or spread COVID-19 after vacci...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 10/15/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Changes to the local data dashboard

This week, we’ve made several changes to our local data dashboard. Our goal is to make it easier for Whatcom residents to understand where COVID-19 cases are occurring, so they can make more informed decisions. The two major new feature...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 10/8/21

In these updates, we will include news and updates, 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.

Each update will cover da...

Schools and COVID-19: Where We're At, What's Working and What's Next

COVID-19 has disrupted learning, families, and employment for the past two school years. Students missed out on many of the benefits of being in the classroom with peers and teachers, like easy access to meals, technology, physical activity, counselors, a...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 10/1/21

With COVID-19 community transmission once again on the rise, we are publishing weekly COVID-19 updates. In these updates, we will include news and updates, summarize publicly-available COVID-19 and vaccination data, and provide some context and details to...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Data Update for 9/24/21

With COVID-19 community transmission once again on the rise, we are publishing weekly COVID-19 updates. In these updates, we will include news and updates, summarize publicly-available COVID-19 and vaccination data, and provide some context and details to...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Update for 9/17/21

With COVID-19 community transmission once again on the rise, we are publishing weekly COVID-19 updates. In these updates, we will include news and updates, summarize publicly-available COVID-19 and vaccination data, and provide some context and details to...

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

With COVID-19 disease activity once again on the rise, we are publishing weekly COVID-19 Data Reports. In these reports, we will summarize publicly-available COVID-19 data, highlight significant information, and provide some context and details to help yo...

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

Vaccine Data

As of August 28, 57.9% of all Whatcom residents are fully vaccinated, and 63.6% have gotten at least one dose. Out of everyone who’s currently eligible, including adolescents and teens ages 12-17, 72.9% have gotten at least one dose....

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 8/26/21

Vaccine Data

As of August 23, 57.4% of all Whatcom residents are fully vaccinated, and 63% have gotten at least one dose. Out of everyone who’s currently eligible, including adolescents and teens ages 12-17, 72.2% have gotten at least one dose.

&a...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update 8/19/21

Vaccine Data

As of August 14, 56.9% of all Whatcom residents are fully vaccinated, and 62.3% have gotten at least one dose. Out of everyone who’s currently eligible, including adolescents and teens ages 12-17, 71.4% have gotten at least one dose....

Masks Required for Everyone Indoors, Vaccinated or Not

The current COVID-19 surge has upended hopes that we might be moving towards putting the pandemic behind us. We’d hoped that once enough of us had been vaccinated, we could hang our masks up for good. Unfortunately, not enough people have gotten...

Natural immunity and vaccine-derived immunity

There are two ways to gain immunity from COVID-19: being infected and surviving (natural immunity) and being vaccinated. While being infected comes with risks such as spreading the disease to family and friends, hospitalization (and its bills), death, and...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 8/10/21

Vaccine Data

As of August 8, 56.4% of all Whatcom residents are fully vaccinated, and 61.8% have gotten at least one dose. Out of everyone who’s currently eligible, including adolescents and teens ages 12-17, 70.8% have gotten at least one dose.

T...

We're Discussing the 2021 COVID-19 Community Health Impact Assessment Today

Many of us are all too familiar with the systemic challenges and inequities made more visible by COVID-19, some of us more so than others. We’re now able to confirm what for many has already been apparent: COVID-19 has had a profound impact on a...

Should you get a COVID test if you're fully vaccinated?

Should you get a COVID test if you're fully vaccinated? The CDC has updated guidelines about when fully vaccinated people should get tested--here’s a summary of the current recommendations.

Remember:

• Don’t assume that your sympt...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 8/3/21

Vaccine Data

As of August 1, 56% of all Whatcom residents are fully vaccinated, and 61.2% have gotten at least one dose. Out of everyone who’s currently eligible, including adolescents and teens aged 12-17, 70% have gotten at least one dose!

It&am...

Unvaccinated people make up nearly all COVID cases and hospitalizations

Last week, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) began reporting on COVID case rates and COVID hospitalization rates among fully vaccinated residents vs. unvaccinated residents. The unvaccinated group includes both people who h...

Mask guidance in Whatcom County

There’s been a lot of news about the Delta variant and how its rapid spread has led to a surge in cases and hospitalizations. This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) ask...

All 3 Vaccines Available at SummerFest in Kendall Next Week

The Annual SummerFest Event in Kendall is back this year! After taking a hiatus in 2020 like most large events, this family-friendly and neighborhood-focused event is back to welcome neighbors, friends, and families in 2021. Hosted by community partners a...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 7/27/21

Vaccine Data

As of July 24, 60.7% of all Whatcom residents 16 and older have initiated vaccination. Of those in Whatcom County who are eligible, currently anyone 12 and older, 69.5% have gotten at least one dose, and 55.5% of Whatcom’s entire popu...

Update on the Delta variant

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Whatcom County and has become the dominant variant in Washington, making up 58% of all variant cases in the state. This variant is also about 50-60% more contagious than the Alpha variant&mda...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 7/20/21

Vaccine Data

As of July 17, 60.2% of all Whatcom residents have initiated vaccination! Of those in Whatcom County who are eligible, currently anyone 12 and older, 69% have gotten at least one dose. Fifty-five percent of Whatcom’s entire populatio...

Tips for Staying Safe on Open Water

Getting out to any one of our county’s many bodies of water is perhaps one of the best ways to spend a hot summer day. Nothing beats a hot day spent by the ocean, lake, river or creek. And, as long as it isn’t too crowded, getting out ...

Now's the Time to Prepare for Smoky Skies

It may not be smoky here yet, but with record-high temperatures and wildfires already scorching the West, you can likely expect smoky skies soon.

Wildfire smoke is hazardous to everyone’s health, but certain groups are at higher risk of adverse ...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update 7/13/21

Vaccine Data

Way to go, Whatcom! As of July 10, 70.1% of Whatcom residents 16 and older have initiated vaccination! We’ve crossed an important milestone in our county’s pursuit of community immunity. 

We do have more work to do ...

Foothills Food Bank and Food Access Plan Open House on July 16

Foothills Food Bank Open House and Food Access Plan Unveiling

On July 16, 2021, the FCFP, together with the Foothills Food Bank, will host an unveiling of the 2021 Food Access Plan and an open house of the new Foothills Food Bank building, completed in the...

Vaccine Update for 7/7/21

Vaccine Data

Whatcom County is getting closer to the 70% milestone. As of July 3 (DOH’s most recent date for vaccination data), 69.7% of Whatcom residents 16 and older have initiated vaccination, and 54% of all Whatcom residents are now fully vac...

What to know about the Delta variant

The Delta variant of the coronavirus has been in the news a lot lately. Here’s what we know:

• The Delta variant has not been detected yet in Whatcom County, but since it’s now the cause of 1 out of 4 new COVID cases in the U.S. and hundr...

Top Tips for a Healthy 4th

There’s a lot to celebrate besides our nation’s founding this 4th of July. Now that most restrictions have been lifted, many of us are more than ready to get together to feast on barbecue, enjoy a fireworks show, or go for a swim.

Befor...

Washington State and Whatcom County Reopen

We’ve made it through a difficult year, and now we’re seeing some relief. Today, June 30, Whatcom County and the rest of Washington State will lift most restrictions. We’ll be putting all the stages, phases, safe-starts and r...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 6/29/21

Vaccine Data

Whatcom County is well within reach of the Governor’s statewide benchmark for early reopening. As of June 26 (DOH’s most recent date for vaccination data), 69.2% of Whatcom residents 16 and older have initiated vaccination,...

Hot Weather's Coming - Stay Cool and Hydrated to Prevent Heat Illness

It’s going to be hot this weekend, Whatcom. Forecasts predict temperatures reaching into the 100s in parts of Whatcom County. Make sure you’re able to stay cool this weekend. Heat-related illness is one of the biggest weather-related k...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 6/22/21

Vaccine Data

We’re not quite where we need to be to reopen early, but we’re doing really well, Whatcom. Right now, we’re 4th in the state for the number of eligible people who are fully vaccinated.

The more pe...

Getting Tested for COVID-19 So You Can Travel

Things are looking up. COVID-19 vaccines, once a hard-to-get commodity, are now easy to get, and lots of people have gotten vaccinated. 

You may think now’s a great time to pay someone a visit who you haven’t been able to see s...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 6/15/21

Vaccine Data

We are almost there, Whatcom. We’ve crossed an important threshold. As of June 14, just over half (50.7%) of Whatcom County residents are fully vaccinated! 

We’re doing our part to help the state hit the ta...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 6/8/21

Vaccine Data

We’re really close to hitting the Governor’s target for early reopening, Whatcom. Keep it up! As of June 7, 66.31% of everyone 16 and older has started vaccination. That brings the entire county’s initiat...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 6/2/21

Vaccine Data

Slow but steady wins the race, Whatcom! So far, about 63% of everyone in Whatcom County who’s eligible has gotten one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which represents 52.07% of the entire Whatcom County population. Our fully-v...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 5/25/21

Vaccine Data

We’ve passed some important milestones! More than half (50.65%) of all residents have started vaccination, which includes 61.5% of everyone 16 and older. We’re very close to hitting the governor’...

Washington’s Mask Mandate Amendments and What it Means for Whatcom

Last week, the CDC revised its masking recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals, and today the Governor issued a new proclamation clarifying Washington State’s requirements to wear masks in public. Fully vaccinated people are now exempt,...

Partnerships for a Successful Vaccination Clinic

Last Wednesday, May 12th, a collaboration of local service providers and volunteers came together to host a vaccination clinic at Kendall Elementary School in Maple Falls. The Vaccine Clinic was a success thanks to the many talented and caring people invo...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 5/18/21

Vaccine Data

As of May 17, nearly half (48.45%) of all Whatcom County residents have gotten their first dose, and 38.81% are fully vaccinated.

This week, Whatcom County providers are due to receive 600 first doses and 2,640 second doses. For more i...

New Sub-Population Data Graphics for Whatcom County

We’ve updated our COVID-19 data page with new vaccination data graphics. These graphics can be found at the very bottom of the page beneath the county-specific COVID-19 data dashboard. All of these charts display data from the previous week, and...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 5/11/21

Vaccine Data

Although the pace has slowed, we’re still making progress. As of May 10, close to half (46.99%) of all Whatcom County residents have gotten their first dose, and more than a third (35.71%) are fully vaccinated.

This week, Wha...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 5/4/21

Vaccine Data

This past week we reached an exciting milestone: over 100,000 people have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Whatcom County! 

As of May 3, 44.78% of Whatcom County residents have gotten their first dose,...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 4/27/21

Vaccine Data

As of April 24, 42.46% of Whatcom County residents have gotten their first dose, and more than a quarter (29.46%) are fully vaccinated! 

From April 18-24, providers in Whatcom County administered more than 13,000 initial doses!...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 4/20/21

Vaccine Data

As of April 19, 38.98% of Whatcom County residents have gotten their first dose, and more than a quarter (26.49%) are fully vaccinated! 

From April 11-17, providers in Whatcom County administered more than 10,000 initial doses!...

Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 4/13/21

Vaccine Data

As of April 10, more than 1 in 3 Whatcom County residents (34.59%) have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 22.99% of our community is fully vaccinated. 

Providers in Whatcom County are due to receive 6,440 first dos...

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 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 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 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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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....

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, ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 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 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...

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 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 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: ...

What We Know About BA.2

BA.2 is the new COVID-19 variant on the block, a subvariant of Omicron. While we are still learning more, here’s some information about what we do know:

• BA.2 is rapidly spreading through much of the world. According to the CDC COVID-19 variant tr...