Update:

Current visitation guidelines: https://chcclynden.org/visitation/

Nov. 2, 2026: Respiratory illnesses remain active at CHCC, with additional cases reported since our last update on Oct. 29.

Influenza A cases among residents have increased, and some cases previously classified as an unknown respiratory illness have since been confirmed as influenza A.

Cumulative cases from the start of the outbreak: 

Influenza A outbreak (Oct. 28)

• Residents: 16
• Staff: 5

Unknown respiratory illness outbreak (Oct. 28)

• Residents: 4
• Staff: 0

Precautions: Residents are strongly encouraged to wear a surgical mask when around others. All staff, volunteers, visitors and vendors must wear a surgical mask provided by CHCC when in the building. Everyone is also encouraged to use hand sanitizer.

Oct. 29, 2026: The COVID-19 outbreak that began Oct. 11 has officially ended. However, CHCC is now experiencing two respiratory illness outbreaks that began Oct. 28.

Cumulative cases from the start of the outbreak:

 Influenza A outbreak (Oct. 28)

• Residents: 6
• Staff: 5

 Unknown respiratory illness outbreak (Oct. 28)

• Residents: 7
• Staff: 0

The seven symptomatic residents tested negative for COVID-19 and influenza A. The Whatcom County Health Department has designated these cases as an outbreak of unknown respiratory illness.

Masking and visitation requirements

To help protect everyone at CHCC, all staff and visitors must wear surgical-grade masks throughout their time in the building.

Please do not visit if you have any symptoms of illness, even mild symptoms such as sniffles or a cough, or if you have recently been exposed to someone who is sick.

Trick-or-treating canceled

Unfortunately, due to the two ongoing outbreaks, CHCC’s planned trick-or-treating activities on Oct. 30 have been canceled. We understand how disappointing this news is for residents, families and staff, and we are sorry that we cannot safely hold this event.

We will continue monitoring illnesses, working with public health officials and providing updates as new information becomes available.

View past alerts: https://chcclynden.org/alert-archives/

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines. ​All staff members continue to be screened before they start work, and we monitor our residents daily, watching for any signs or symptoms of the virus. Infection control best practices are followed, and appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by all.