The Regional Economic Partnership (REP) at the Port of Bellingham is pleased to announce that Northwest Laboratory (NWL) is providing COVID-19 testing services for area Whatcom County businesses, including the local manufacturing community. Following the successful rollout of COVID-19 testing services, NWL developed an employer based solution for companies to test their employees.
“As the economy begins to reopen, protecting the health of our community is everyone’s top priority” said Don Goldberg, Director of the Regional Economic Partnership (REP) at the Port of Bellingham. “Building a strong and sustainable economy is absolutely dependent on our business community taking proactive steps to prevent a spike in COVID infections, including making testing widely available and accessible to all.”
When employers request testing via telehealth providers, employees can schedule an appointment online or via telephone for the drive through collection center located in Bellingham. RT-PCR test results are available within 24 hours. For more information, visit www.nwlaboratory.com/for-employers/ or contact Covid19info@nwlaboratory.com.
REP Economic Development Project Manager, John Michener noted that “many local businesses are working hard to develop products that will help the economy re-open safely, including personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, and tests such as NWL’s.”
The Safe Start Washington proclamation was issued by Governor Jay Inslee and public health officials on May 4, 2020 in order to resume and re-open recreational, social and business activities using a four-phased approach. In all phases, business activities are not authorized to open until a business is able to meet all safety criteria. Testing availability and access is critical to re-starting our local economy.
“The Regional Economic Partnership will continue to work closely with our local business community to provide the resources they need to overcome the extreme financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 shutdown and re-open their doors” said Goldberg.