The Skagit County Board of Health will hold a public hearing next month on a proposal to establish civil fines for violations of safety orders issued by the county health officer, including those related to COVID-19.
Under the proposal, first-time violators would be fined $50, with the penalty increasing with subsequent violations. For businesses, fines would start at $250.
To date, Health Officer Howard Leibrand has issued no public health orders related to COVID-19, but rather recommendations, county Public Health Director Jennifer Johnson said.
Johnson, who brought the proposal to the board, called the move ârare,â saying the department chooses to focus first on education rather than enforcement.