Bellingham takes action to discourage people from gathering during COVID-19 pandemic
Most events that require a city permit or use city-owned property, park spaces and facilities have been canceled through the end of 2020, Mayor Seth Fleetwood said Friday, citing the new coronavirus pandemic.
Fleetwood’s executive order extends a similar order that was to expire Aug. 30, according to an emailed statement Friday, Aug. 14.
“Whatcom County Health Department officials have stated that COVID-19 case counts in Whatcom County are still rising and community spread is continuing,” Fleetwood 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.”
His order affects city and city-permitted events, activities, and facility reservations, but has limited exceptions for child care and outdoor recreation, the statement said.
It includes events hosted by partner organizations and private groups by reservation or by facility-use agreement, the statement said.
Exceptions allow use of certain park facilities for outdoor child care, day camps and outdoor youth activities authorized under state Department of Health guidelines.
