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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Fire Marshal's Fireworks Regulations in Whatcom County for July 4

Whatcom County only allows consumer fireworks to be discharged during the following dates and times:July 3^rd:  6:00 PM until 11:00 PMJuly 4^th:  6:00 PM until 12:00 midnightJuly 5^th:  6:00 PM until 11:00 PM

Remember to check with ...

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...

Limited In-Office County Services Available by Appointment

Starting Monday, June 15, citizens may begin making appointments for certain limited in-office services provided by the Whatcom County Auditor, Treasurer, and Assessor’s offices. Appointments will be available starting Wednesday, June 17. In ord...

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...

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 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...

Masks and Social Distancing Mandatory at County Courthouse

Presiding Superior Court Judge Garrett has issued an administrative order on public health measures to protect the safety and security of all people in the County Courthouse effective Monday May 11, 2020. This order requires that all employees, vendors, a...

Notice of 2020 Road Shoulder Herbicide Program

Approximately 250 miles of roads are normally scheduled for seasonal treatment, however due to COVID 19 and staffing, we will only be treating certain safety locations and noxious sites this year. Lawns and yard areas may have a minimum 12” wide...

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...

New Pilot Project -- Do It Yourself Mitigation Plan

Whatcom County has developed a pilot project to allow single-family homeowners to complete their own mitigation plans. This Do it Yourself (DIY) Single Family Residential mitigation packet is for projects impacting 1,000 square feet or less of critical ar...