COVID-19 Regional Information and Resources
Find information and resources from Whatcom County and Washington State departments of health, regional transportation, our visitor center, Western Washington University, and other helpful guidelines on how to visit safely and responsibly.
Washington State & Whatcom County Coronavirus Updates
Per Washington State’s Healthy Washington Plan that went into effect on Jan 11, 2021, Whatcom County is currently designated as the NORTH region, and is currently in Phase One. Please note the chart below for restrictions in place and contact any businesses for the best ways to interact with them.
The Healthy Washington plan is based on 4 criteria that are evaluated each week:
- 10% decreasing trend in case rates
- 10% decrease in coronavirus hospital admission rates
- ICU occupancy that’s less than 90%
- Test positivity rate that’s less than 10%
And a report is sent out designating phases by region for the following week. Here is the most recent report: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/data-tables/421-006-RoadmapToRecovery1-8-2021.pdf
See updated details on the Washington State COVID-19 Phase and Risk Assessment Dashboard.
The Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) is providing daily updates of its 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) case information based on disease surveillance activities. Current and total numbers of persons under public health supervision, persons under investigation, and confirmed cases are updated daily at https://whatcomcounty.us/ncov.
Whatcom County, includes Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Birch Bay, Point Roberts, Lummi Island, Lynden, Sumas, Everson, Nooksack, Deming, Glacier and Newhalem. Sign up for Whatcom County public alerts here.
A single-source information and communication tool on behalf of the Whatcom County’s Unified Command Response to COVID-19 is available online.
Face Masks Mandate
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has ordered all businesses in Washington State to require all customers and employees to wear face coverings. Businesses may not serve any customer services or goods if they do not comply with the face covering order. A Washington statewide order also requires individuals to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces such as stores, offices and restaurants, and outdoors when proper social distancing of 6 feet apart cannot be maintained.
Visitor Information Center
Although most Visitor Information Centers are temporarily closed, the main visitor center at 904 Potter Street in Bellingham is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with no public restrooms. Masks are required for service.
Staff is also available via email: contact tourism@bellingham.org for visitor information.
Transportation Resources
Whatcom County offers a variety of transportation options to help you get where you need to go. To get all Port of Bellingham Notifications Related to COVID-19 visit the Port of Bellingham Notification Center or click links below for local transportation options:
- US/Canada Border Crossing closed to non-essential travel until future notice
- Bellingham International Airport
- Alaska Ferry Service
- Amtrak Passenger Train Service
- Greyhound Bus Service
Restaurants, Bars, Entertainment Venues
Under current state restrictions, restaurants and bars are unable to offer indoor service and outdoor dining has been restricted to five people per table during Phase 1 of Washington State’s Healthy Washington plan.
Under Phase 2, restaurants are able to offer indoor dining at 25% capacity with outdoor dining available for up to 6 people with a limit of two households per table.
For a full list of restaurants open for take-out, click here: Restaurants Offering Take Out, Curbside Pickup and Delivery in Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Western Washington University Resources
Western Washington University’s Student Health Center has developed a dashboard showing results of COVID-19 testing of Western students. All students living on campus were tested upon arrival. Students can visit Fraser Hall, where the Health Center has established their COVID-19 testing center, for additional testing and information. The dashboard can be found at https://www.wwu.edu/coronavirus.
Guidelines on How to Responsibly Visit Whatcom County
During this global pandemic, the health and safety of our residents and visitors are our highest priorities. Please do your part to help make our tourism industry restart successful and your visit safe and pleasurable. Planning, education and communication are essential to accomplish this. Below is an essential checklist and links to local and state resources to review before you visit.
Everyone should take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cough and sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you or a family member is sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.
Outdoor Recreation Updates
Most outdoor recreation near Bellingham is open with appropriate safety precautions, including hiking, biking, camping, beaches, fishing; hunting; boating; horseback riding; paddlesports; tennis; go karts; ORV/motorcross; and golf. Whatcom County Parks and Trails remain open.
Updates can be found on the Whatcom Parks & Recreation website.