Dear Loggers,
It is a relief to see the continuing low COVID-19 case rates among members of our campus community and declining numbers in Pierce County. Please stay vigilant, and see information below about masks, testing, flu shots and self-care activities designed to keep our community healthy.
Mask policy. Our indoor mask requirement through Oct. 1 was put in place before the Governor’s state-wide mandate. We expect the state-wide mandate will stay in place past that date, so the indoor mask requirement will continue until further notice.
Randomized asymptomatic COVID-19 surveillance testing. Our randomized asymptomatic surveillance testing protocol begins Monday, Oct. 4. Ten percent of the campus community will be randomly selected each week and asked, via email, to take a COVID-19 test as part of our ongoing health and safety measures.
Symptomatic testing. Students with symptoms of COVID-19 have access to saliva PCR testing using test kits available from Counseling, Health and Wellness Services. Faculty and staff seeking symptomatic testing should contact their health care provider and can access free public testing sites.
Flu shots. Seasonal flu shots are recommended and are widely available.
Students can obtain flu shots at Counseling, Health and Wellness Services on a walk-in basis. The cost is $25 and will be charged to your student account. Additionally, CHWS will host a Flu Shot Clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 6 from noon to 2 p.m.
Faculty and staff can schedule a flu shot at no cost through their university health insurance plan at local pharmacies; students may choose to utilize their individual health insurance with this option as well.
Tips for self-care. Self-care is important at all times, but especially during periods of stress and uncertainty. Please avail yourselves of the following opportunities:
- Therapy Assisted Online (TAO). This online resource provides workshops addressing anxiety, depression and relationship issues as well as a Mindfulness Library with meditations, breathing exercises, and other stress reduction strategies. You can locate TAO at the bottom of the CHWS main page at: https://www.pugetsound.edu/counseling-health-wellness-services
- Additional resources are available at the Human Resources Wellness Benefits page at https://www.pugetsound.edu/human-resources/benefits/wellness-benefits
Sincerely,
Kelly K. Brown, Ph.D. | Director
Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services