Dear Members, Volunteers & Staff,
Beginning April 18th, the Whatcom Council on Aging will remove our mask mandate at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center (BSAC) for all members, volunteers and employees in the building. I know this is a cause for excitement for some and others may feel fear or trepidation as our community continues to open up after the last two years.
We continue to be in the midst of the pandemic, that unfortunately is not over. If local case counts rise to a higher level in our community (100/100,000) or the CDC moves our county to a high level of community transmission we will again require masks for in-person activities.
While masks are now optional, we do encourage continued mask use at BSAC. If you have compromised immunity, or live with someone who does, it’s a good idea to continue to wear a mask and maintain social distance around strangers, especially in indoor areas with standing air where the virus may collect. Masks are also important if you spend time with others who are unvaccinated. Unvaccinated people are at overwhelmingly higher risk of hospitalization and death from Covid-19.
If you have not yet received your booster dose(s) I encourage you to do so. At this time, we will continue to require individuals in the Center to be fully vaccinated.
Free Covid-19 at-home test kits are readily available at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center. Please take them home to have on hand in case you need a test due to a possible exposure or if you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. If you test positive Covid-19 therapeutics are readily available if you work quickly with your healthcare provider. If you test positive and have been at BSAC during your contagious period, please give us a call so we can let your close contacts know they should also test.
I appreciate everyone’s commitment to providing the safest environment possible all these many months. I know that you will continue to take measures to care for each other, especially those at higher risk for COVID-19. Please stay home when you are sick, test if you have been exposed or have any COVID-19 symptoms and be kind to those who continue to wear their masks as well as to those who choose not to wear them.
As always, our top priority is your safety and well-being. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Take care,
Molly Simon
Bellingham Senior Activity Center Director
360-733-4030 ext 1020