Individuals, Families & Households

Last updated: June 30, 2021 at 12:57 p.m. 

This is the latest guidance for individuals, families, and households to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Whatcom County.


Social Gatherings

As of May 13, the CDC advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not have to mask or socially distance, indoors or outdoors, for any gathering size. You’re not considered fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after the final dose in your vaccine series. 

The mask mandate is still in effect and unvaccinated people still need to wear masks in most indoor locations outside the home. See our masking page for more details.

Effective June 30, businesses, recreation sites, and venues will be open at full capacity (but they must meet workplace safety requirements).The one exception is large indoor events hosting 10,000 or more people. Those will be open at 75% capacity. 

What's Allowed

  • Effective June 30, most pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Gatherings of any size are permitted, indoors or outdoors.
    • Washington’s mask mandate is still in force, and unvaccinated people are still required to wear masks in indoor public settings, and strongly encouraged to wear them outdoors when 6 feet of distance cannot be guaranteed. 
    • Businesses may still require everyone on their premises to wear masks on their premises if they wish, regardless of vaccination status, and customers are required to comply.
    • Unvaccinated people are also strongly advised to keep physically distancing themselves from others who may not be vaccinated.
    • Large venues capable of hosting 10,000 or more people are capped at 75% occupancy, but physical distancing is not required. 
  • More information about what is open can be found here.

What to Do if You Are Sick or Have Been Exposed

See our Frequently Asked Questions page for information on what to do if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you may have been exposed to the virus.

Preventing COVID-19 Infection

The best way to prevent you or others from being infected with COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. All COVID-19 vaccines currently in use are highly effective at preventing both infection and spread of the virus. 

Personal prevention habits continue to be effective for preventing COVID-19 infection. These are important action steps everyone should take to protect their health:

  • Get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as possible. If you’re not able to get vaccinated, wear a mask in public and private indoor settings. Make sure you choose the right mask.
  • Physical distancing is still recommended for unvaccinated people when they’re in crowded areas.
  • Practice healthy habits:
    • Wash your hands.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Watch for symptoms and get tested if you think you have been exposed.
  • If you have a caregiver, they should also take special precautions (PDF). (Also available in other languages).
  • As much as possible, stay local until you’re vaccinated. The CDC still advises unvaccinated people to avoid unnecessary travel.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Financial Support

Many of us have been impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you, or someone you know, are in need of financial assistance, programs and resources are available.

Guidance for Children and Families

Maternal and Child Health 

Supporting Youth Mental Health