NW Washington News

An uptick in the reported number of COVID-19 cases is being linked to the growing apathy of people who are ignoring the danger gathered in social crowds during a Phase One relaxation of restrictions late last month.

“Attendees of these gatherings in public places and parties hosted at private residences have since been diagnosed with COVID-19,” the Whatcom County Health Department told the Bellingham Herald. “Preliminary investigations have determined close contacts of party-goers have also become infected with the illness.”

The Whatcom Health Department considers an outbreak of the coronavirus to be two or more cases reported from the same source, be it a workplace or social gathering.

A total of 31 residents have tested positive for the virus since the county went into Phase Two on June 5, allowing businesses to reopen and restrictions to be relaxed, the Bellingham Herald reported.

The department said preliminary findings indicate gatherings in public venues and attendees at private parties in close contact, with each other could be causing the increase.

The increase in the number of cases is a reminder there is an higher risk of infection by attending large gatherings, regardless of where they are held. Some of the individuals infected will not display symptoms and, not knowing they are infected, will pass the virus to others.