Whatcom s downtown jail sees first COVID-19 cases, but protocol changes prevent outbreak
The Bellingham Herald 2/3/2021 David Rasbach, The Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, Wash.)
Feb. 3 A COVID-19 outbreak at the Whatcom County Jail s Work Center last month led to protocol revisions that helped prevent similar problems from occurring at the downtown jail.
Three individuals who were being booked into the jail last weekend tested positive for COVID-19, Whatcom County Sheriff s Office spokesperson Deb Slater told The Bellingham Herald in an email, but because of the new booking protocols instituted following the outbreak at the Work Center, the general population at the jail was not exposed.
As Whatcom schools report new COVID-19 cases, county sees 45 new positive tests Monday
The Bellingham Herald 1/26/2021 David Rasbach, The Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, Wash.)
Jan. 26 Whatcom County saw 45 new confirmed COVID-19 cases reported over two days by the Washington State Department of Health s dashboard on Monday, Jan. 25, but no new deaths were reported..
Overall, Whatcom County has seen 5,231 confirmed cases and 59 related deaths during the pandemic, according to state data as of 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, meaning 1.1% of all COVID cases in Whatcom County have been linked to a death.
Fifteen additional probable cases a decrease of two from Saturday s report have been reported in Whatcom County during the pandemic, resulting from positive antigen tests not confirmed by a molecular test.