Health department nixes all summer events and festivals

Erica Lautenbach, director of the Whatcom County Health Department, has recommended the cancellation of summer events throughout the county. In a letter to community leaders dated April 14, Lautenbach noted that measures taken to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 had been showing positive results.

“We see positive effects of the efforts to contain the virus, in large part due to the social distancing measures put into place in March,” said Lautenbach. She added that modeling presented by the health department on April 13 indicated Whatcom County is “on the downside of the first wave of COVID-19 spread locally. Scenarios suggest that with continued social distancing, the next wave could be mitigated as well. However, if group gatherings resume too soon, the virus’ spread could be deadlier.”

Lautenbach said she recommends that all summer events – including parades, community festivals and fireworks displays – should be canceled.

“I recognize that this recommendation creates considerable disappointment,” said Lautenbach. “However, the long-term health of our community and our economy could be further damaged if we move too quickly to resume the activities that we know will put us at risk.”