Dear Loggers,
Following consultation with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, the following updated isolation requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19 will begin immediately.
Isolation Requirements for Those Who Test Positive for COVID-19
Isolate starting the day after you tested positive or when your symptoms began. At day 6, if your symptoms are mild or improving, you may take an antigen test. If this test is negative, notify Contact Tracing at contacttracing@pugetsound.edu and you may leave isolation. If it is positive, remain in isolation to complete the 10-day isolation period. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, remain in isolation for 10 days.
Calculating isolation: Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected.
After leaving isolation: If you are able to leave isolation due to testing negative on day 6, wear an N95 or KN95 mask for the next five days, until 10 days have passed since your positive test/symptom onset. It is recommended that all members of the campus community wear N95, KN95 or three-ply surgical masks; those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated are required to wear N95 or KN95 masks.
Students who share a bedroom: If you are leaving isolation and share a bedroom with a roommate who has not been infected, you will be provided an interim room so that you can remove your mask while sleeping. This will ensure that you will be able to follow CDC masking guidelines during the 5 days following isolation.
If you are currently in isolation: Calculate your remaining isolation time based on this guidance. Antigen tests will be delivered to students in on-campus isolation.
If you are isolating off campus: Students, faculty and staff who are isolating off campus can have a friend or family member pick up an antigen test from the Dean of Students Office in Wheelock Student Center, Room 208 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–noon, and 1–5 p.m.) or from Facility Services (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.). If a friend or family member is not available, please call the Dean of Students office at 253.879.3360 to make other arrangements.
If you are isolating out of state: Be aware that CDC guidelines recommend that you do not fly or take public transportation for 10 days following day 0, regardless of the campus policy in place at that time.
Please remember that you should not participate in campus PCR pooled saliva asymptomatic testing for 90 days from the date of your positive test. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms during this 90-day period, please consult with your primary care provider for appropriate testing.
Please be patient as we confirm isolation end dates and facilitate testing for those currently isolating. If you have questions, email contacttracing@pugetsound.edu and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.
Thank you for everything you are continuing to do to observe health and safety guidelines as we return to in-person learning and campus activities.
Sincerely,
Kelly Brown, Ph.D.
Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services