Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood announced today (Friday, August 14, 2020) that he has extended orders, through the end of 2020, that cancel City and City-permitted events, activities, and facility reservations to continue efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The original order was set to expire on August 30.
This action means most activities that require any type of City approval or permit, or use of city facilities and park spaces, will not be allowed through the end of the year. This includes events hosted by partner organizations and private groups by reservation or by facility use agreement. It provides limited exceptions for childcare and outdoor recreation, the latter applicable only in Phase 3.
Mayor Fleetwood said the City is following similar actions taken by other organizations that have extended cancellations and closures through the end of the year.
“Whatcom County Health Department officials have stated that COVID-19 case counts in Whatcom County are still rising and community spread is continuing,” he said. “As long as we see these case numbers, and as long as we remain in Phase 2, we must continue actions that discourage people from gathering.”
The new executive order extends the provisions of two previous orders: an original order, signed April 24, 2020, and a July 10 order approving limited exceptions to enable uses of certain park facilities for outdoor childcare, day camps and outdoor youth activities authorized under State Department of Health guidelines.
