“Here is the thing to understand about flattening the curve.
It only works if we take necessary measures before they seem necessary.
And if it works, people will think we over-reacted.
We have to be willing to look like we over-reacted.”
Kaila Colbin
STAY HOME
Whatcom County still has only one confirmed case as of today, Friday March 13, at 4:45. Staying home is how we keep the numbers low. In-person City Of Bellingham governmental meetings will be limited to 10 or fewer participants. It would be good if almost all of us followed that guideline. There are people who really can’t. Ask yourself if you are really one of them. A Lummi Indian Business Council employee has tested positive for COVID-19, but they live in King County so you can start breathing again for the moment. Their contacts are being traced. We’re wishing them luck and health.
SCHOOLS TO CLOSE MONDAY
From the Bellingham Herald
The closure will include all public and private schools for levels K through 12 in every district across the state, Inslee said, and will must begin by Tuesday, March 17, and will extend through April 24.
Inslee said a restriction also will be placed on all colleges, universities, community colleges and technical schools, preventing in-person education on campus.
Inslee said he made the decision after statewide confirmed coronavirus positive tests climbed by more than 400 in four days and deaths in the state climbed to 37 on Friday. He added that COVID-19 has spread to 15 of the state’s counties that combine to represent 75% of the state’s population.
Bellingham Public Schools announced that it would begin the closure a day earlier than Inslee mandated on Monday, March 16. The Blaine, Lynden, Nooksack Valley, Meridian and Mount Baker districts said they also will be closed Monday. Ferndale will close Tuesday.
I phoned the district earlier today. They’re working on the challenges as hard as they possibly can, including how to continue meals for hungry students. Here’s a link to the most current info:
https://bellinghamschools.org/news/covid-19-march-12-update/
From Bellingham Public Schools:
Everyone, please keep in mind that this is an unprecedented situation and we, along with hundreds of school systems across the country, are working hard to plan and communicate. We ask that you please hold on emailing questions to teachers and other staff. As questions arise, please consult webpage and the links on it. District staff will follow up with you as soon as possible. The decision to close raises all kinds of questions and implications including childcare needs for our staff and families, school meals, graduation, and much more. We are working on plans to address a range of impacts, and we will be in communication as we work through these challenges. We are also working with our community partners to determine how to best mitigate the impact of our closure.
WHATCOM COUNTY CASES
As of 4:45 today, March 13, 2020
◦ 1 ◦ The total number of confirmed cases (test results that are positive for COVID-19).
◦ 35 ◦ The total number of negative results (test results that are negative for COVID-19).
◦ 0 ◦ Total number of deaths due to COVID-19.
EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTERS ARE CLOSED
Please contact the Mayor’s Office <mayorsoffice@cob.org> and County Executive’s Office <ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us> to ask for their help. The city has not reopened the emergency shelters despite the freezing weather. We know governments are overwhelmed right now, but this is one of the urgent issues. The cold weather will not wait. The remaining shelters are jammed such that social distancing is not possible. We have night time temperatures in the low 30s and wind chill factors into the teens. Those among us who have no shelter are at high risk of the pandemic as well as the weather. Please donate good gloves, sleeping bags and blankets, warm coats, socks, hats, and money. Donations can be brought to my house, or call me and I’ll help you figure out how to connect. 360-671-4511. Thank you to the people who have brought me warm supplies!
FOLKS WILLING TO SHOP
There are folks willing to pick up groceries and such. Let me know if you need stuff, and I’ll pass the word to them.
“Here is the thing to understand about flattening the curve.
It only works if we take necessary measures before they seem necessary.
And if it works, people will think we over-reacted.
We have to be willing to look like we over-reacted.”
Kaila Colbin