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 and Dashboard, Whatcom County is currently designated as the NORTH region, and is in Phase 3 along with all of Washington State.
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.
COVID Testing Sites
I am visiting from out of town/Canada and I need to get a COVID test before returning home, where do I go?
There are drive-through and walk-in options. Go to: Whatcom County Testing Locations Page
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 & Entertainment Venues
Whatcom County is in Phase 3, which allows up to 50% occupancy or 400 people maximum, whichever is lower, for all indoor spaces. This applies to all industries and indoor activities currently allowed; restaurants, gyms and fitness centers and movie theaters, among others, may all increase their capacity.
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.