Spread of COVID-19 is growing in Whatcom County, prompting the Health Department to show the local infection rate rising to the medium risk level on Friday, May 6.
Whatcom is one of three counties in the state, along with King and Pierce, that are now at a medium level, according to the COVID-19 Tracker operated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Recommendations for those who live in medium risk areas include:
Talk to your healthcare provider about wearing a mask and other precautions, if you are at high risk for severe illness.
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Get tested if you have symptoms.
St. Joseph’s hospital in Bellingham reported its daily COVID-related patient snapshot reached 12 on Friday.
The state Department of Health reported its dashboard for disease activity would not be updated Friday due to technical issues.
Robert Mittendorf covers civic issues, weather, traffic and how people are coping with the high cost of housing for The Bellingham Herald. A journalist since 1984, he’s also a volunteer firefighter for South Whatcom Fire Authority.
Julie Shirley directs news coverage for The Bellingham Herald and has been the executive editor since 2003. She’s been an editor in Florida, California and Washington since 1979.
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