Whatcom sees triple-digit COVID case increase, as Bellingham hospital restricts visitors

Whatcom County continued to see its COVID-19 case and hospital loads grow, as the state reported a triple-digit increase in confirmed cases over the weekend and St. Joseph hospital in Bellingham reported it was treating its highest number of COVID patients since June.

The Washington State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard reported an increase of 113 confirmed cases on Monday, Aug. 9, marking Whatcom County’s largest reported increase since it had 160 on Feb. 8. It was the 10th time Whatcom has had a triple-digit increase reported by the state.

St. Joseph hospital, meanwhile, reported that it was treating 25 COVID patients on Tuesday, up three from Monday and 17 in the past week.