Whatcom County continues to set records for COVID hospitalizations

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is feeling the strain of the current surge of serious COVID-19 cases.

The Whatcom County Health Department says they continue to set records for most current hospitalizations.

And more than 80% of COVID patients are unvaccinated.

Washington State Hospital Association spokesperson Taya Braley said at a news conference Tuesday, January 26th, that those numbers are consistent around the state.

“Since vaccines were rolled out a year ago, we know that 90 percent of hospitalizations and deaths would have been preventable,” said Braley. “Ninety percent. With a vaccine.”

In Whatcom County, the highest rates of infection are now being found in kids ages 5 to 17.

That age group accounted for 25% of positive cases in Whatcom County in the most recent seven day count.