Page updated: January 3, 2022 at 5:24 p.m.   

We are committed to supporting employers in Whatcom County during this unprecedented challenge of COVID-19. You can find information below that will help answer questions you might have. If you are unable to find the information you need, please contact us:

By email:  COVIDresponse@co.whatcom.wa.us

By phone: 360-778-6100

I am looking for:

• What to Do If a Worker Has COVID-19 or Is a Close Contact
  
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Businesses
• Employer Tool Kit: What to Do When COVID-19 Comes to Work
• Masks & Face Coverings
• Where to Get Tested for COVID-19
• Washington Ready

Washington Ready

Businesses, recreation sites, and venues are currently open at full capacity (but they must meet workplace safety requirements). The one exception is large indoor events hosting 10,000 or more people, which may  be open at 75% capacity. 

You can find further reopening details from the Office of the Governor.

All employees, vaccinated or not, are required to wear masks in indoor spaces that are accessible to the public. See L&I's guidance for more details. More information is also available on our masking page. 

Workplace Safety and COVID-19 Prevention Requirements

These workplace safety and coronavirus prevention recommendations and requirements are still in effect:

• Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Washington State Department of Health
• OSHA

COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Businesses

See our guide, COVID Vaccine Employer Resources (PDF), which offers expert advice to help employers support their employees and communicate effectively about COVID-19 vaccination.

We are updating our COVID-19 Vaccine page regularly with information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Whatcom County. 

What to Do If a Worker Has COVID-19 or Is a Close Contact

Isolation and quarantine guidance for the general population was updated as of December 28, 2021.

• Quarantine and isolation guidelines for certain workplaces and congregate living settings is different. Refer to Guidelines for Returning to Work to learn more.
• Quarantine and isolation guidelines for K-12 schools have been updated, but please be patient during the transition to the new guidelines.

If you have an employee who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or is a close contact of someone with COVID-19, they must stay home and not go to work. As an employer, you must also contact our Business Response Team (BRT) so that we can assist you. Contact us:

• By email: COVIDresponse@co.whatcom.wa.us
• By phone: 360-778-6100

We will work with you to keep your business open while ensuring the health and safety of your employees. 

Employer Tool Kit: What to Do When COVID-19 Comes to Work

The guidance and resources below will help your business or organization respond quickly and effectively when a worker has confirmed COVID-19 or has been exposed to COVID-19.

• What to do when COVID comes to work: 
  • WCHD Checklist for Employers (PDF)
  • DOH Guidance for Non-Health Care Businesses and Organizations (PDF) - See section Responding to Cases or Suspected Cases of COVID-19
• Sample messaging for employers to use:
  • Tips for Talking to Staff When COVID Comes to Work (PDF)
  • Messaging for communicating with the public (PDF) 
  • Messaging for communicating with your employees (PDF)  
•  Resources to share with employees:
  • COVID-19: What is Contact Tracing? (PDF)
  • COVID-19 Contact Tracing: What will they ask me? (PDF)
  • When can I return to work after COVID-19 exposure?

Masks/Face Coverings

As a business, you're responsible to follow masking rules for employees and customers. 

Workers

Review the L&I requirements for employers regarding employee mask requirements.

Review the Governor's Office mask guidance. It clarifies employer, business, and organization requirements.

Customers

Review the Governor's Office mask guidance. It explains employer, business, and organization responsibilities involving customers or patrons, including signage requirements and face covering exemptions.