By Kathi O Shea February 24, 2021 7:00 am
BELLINGHAM, Wash. The first confirmed case of the COVID-19 U.K. variant has been reported in Whatcom County.
The Whatcom County Health Department says it was notified Monday that the variant had been detected in a Whatcom County resident.
County Health Officer Dr. Greg Stern says they expected it to be identified in Whatcom County as it has been present in neighboring counties for several weeks.
The variant transmits infection more effectively than the original strain, and there is some recent but unconfirmed evidence that it may increase the risk of hospitalization or death.
The two authorized vaccines have not shown decreased effectiveness with this variant.
» Health Department announces large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinic
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Large scale COVID-19 vaccination clinic to open in Bellingham in March
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High school students in Bellingham to return to classroom in March KIRO 7 News Staff
Bellingham Public Schools announced Wednesday that it will begin bringing back high school students to the classroom beginning in March.
Students will gradually return for in-person learning between March 8-19.
“We have developed safety protocols based on the advice of aforementioned institutions and by working closely with our local health department.
“Here is an overview of our safety protocols, which include key mitigation strategies: mask-wearing, physical distancing, hand washing and staying home when sick.
“Our district has a comprehensive contact tracing process if/when needed, which is also a key component in risk mitigation and is led by our COVID safety team in partnership with the Whatcom County Health Department.”