Bellingham Police focus on education, voluntary compliance with “stay home stay safe” order

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — If you violate the governor’s stay-at-home order, you might be confronted by the police.

The Bellingham Police Department is focusing on education and voluntary compliance in enforcing the order meant to slow the further spread of COVID-19.

Police Chief David Doll says they are not stopping people who are walking or driving around as they may be involved in an essential activity.

But if officers see groups of people gathering without practicing social distancing, he said they may stop and ask them to disperse.