BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Officials are set to begin working on a plan to reopen Whatcom County businesses that shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a briefing Monday, 4/20/20, the Whatcom County Health Department said a task force focused on rebuilding the local economy will convene as early as next week.

The group will consist of businesses and employees from a number of sectors, including those deemed essential that county health director Erika Lautenbach says are demonstrating best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.