BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The City of Bellingham’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement has officially been lifted.

Mayor Seth Fleetwood announced on Monday, February 13th, that the executive order is no longer in effect.

The vaccine mandate was the last emergency order imposed by the mayor for city employees, contractors, and volunteers.

It was implemented in September 2021 as COVID cases spiked in Whatcom County.

Fleetwood said his decision was based on the spread of the virus this winter, which has not surged in comparison to the past two years.