Resources for Businesses and Community Organizations

Page updated August 21, 2020 at 12:25 p.m.

I am looking for:

Safe Start reopening guidance
Peer To Peer Guidance
Health Department Guidance
What to do if a worker tests positive or is sick
Economic support for COVID-19

Safe Start Reopening Guidance

A lot of information exists to help businesses reopen. The following resources provide general information for all businesses, to help guide you through reopening, safely.

Tips and Tools for Implementing COVID-19 Guidance (PDF).
COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers: find current guidelines and requirements for each business sector from the state’s coronavirus website.
Rebound and Recovery Toolkit: From the Association of Washington Businesses, includes a Business Toolkit (Safe Start Plan templates, signage, and other resources), and AWB PPE Connect for sourcing personal protective equipment.
COVID-19 Economic Impact and Resources: Compiled Whatcom County resources for local businesses from the Port of Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership.
Masks and Face Covering Guidance from Washington State Department of Health.
Overview of COVID-19 statewide face covering requirements on the Washington State Coronavirus Response website.

Additional Resources

Peer to Peer local guidance for specific sectors can be found at whatcomtogether.org

Washington State Resources

Safe Start Webpage: general information about Washington’s Safe Start phased approach
Washington State Coronavirus Response offers the latest guidance for families, workers, and businesses, including an online COVID-19 Business and Worker Inquiries form for asking specific questions.
Resources and Recommendations (Washington State Department of Health (DOH)): safety and health guidance and resources.
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) COVID-19 outbreak resources, General COVID-19 work place requirements, and their COVID-19 prevention summary.

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: updated strategies and recommendations for employers responding to COVID-19, including cleaning and disinfection, a Resuming Business Toolkit and interim guidance for businesses and employers responding to COVID-19.
U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA): information on how to protect workers from potential exposures, according to their exposure risk. Information on interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposure to and infection with COVID-19.

If you have general inquiries or need assistance with your safe start plans, please contact us:

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

During business hours: 360-778-6100

Information about what to do if you have an ill worker can be found in this FAQ.

Health Department Guidance for Specific Fields

Child Care and Schools	Checklist for child care administrators Guidelines for Childcare Providers & Early Learning
Faith Community	Engaging Safely with Your Religious Community during the COVID-19 outbreak FAQs for Faith-Based Communities Guidance for Drive-In Religious Services

What to do if a worker is sick or tests positive for COVID-19

Our FAQ document outlines what to do when a worker shows signs of COVID-19 or tests positive.If you have a worker who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or is a close contact of someone who has, you must contact our Business Response Team (BRT):

By email: health-BRT@co.whatcom.wa.us

During business hours: (360) 778-6100

After hours: (360) 715-2588

General inquiries and assistance with Safe Start plans should not be sent to the BRT. For general question and inquiries please contact the Health Department:

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

During business hours: 360-778-6100

Please remember that employees or volunteers who are sick should immediately be sent home and should not come to work while they are sick.