Dear Loggers, 

The first week of classes is just around the corner! We are looking forward to seeing all our Loggers on campus and having a safe and successful semester ahead. As we all travel to campus in a few weeks, and come together to start the 2022–23 academic year, it’s important to take steps to have a healthy start to the semester, especially as COVID-19 cases are increasing across the country, largely driven by the highly transmissible BA.5 variant, and as we are hearing more about monkeypox cases. Please read this email for COVID-19 safety and campus arrival procedures, information related to monkeypox, and general communicable disease prevention guidance. Please also check our COVID-19 FAQs.

COVID-19 Campus Arrival Procedures 

  • We are implementing testing again this fall for all campus community members. However, you should NOT test if you have had confirmed or suspected COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
  • Before you arrive, please take a COVID-19 test one to two days prior to your departure for campus. You do not need to provide proof of test results. At-home test kits or lab-based tests both fulfill this requirement. 
  • After you arrive, please take a saliva test within five days of arriving on campus, and test again one week later. You do not need to test again after that unless you become symptomatic. You should NOT test if you have had confirmed or suspected COVID-19 within the last 90 days. 
    • On-campus students: Saliva test kits, antigen test kits, and instructions will be distributed with residence hall check-in and key pickup. Drop off your completed test kit in the drop box upstairs in Wheelock Student Center, across from Room 208. Students housed in double rooms should take an antigen test upon arrival in addition to saliva testing. 
    • Off-campus students: Please pick up a saliva test kit from the table outside of Room 208 in Wheelock Student Center. Please complete your test and then drop it off at the drop box. 
    • Pooled results are available within 24 to 48 hours. 
    • The goal of saliva testing is to identify positive cases and safely isolate them in order to prevent an outbreak. Isolation space is available on campus to students who test positive. 
  • If you stayed on campus this summer, please start saliva testing the week of Aug. 22, and test again one week later. You do not need to test again after that unless you become symptomatic. Tests and the drop box are located outside of Room 208 in Wheelock Student Center. You should NOT test if you have had confirmed or suspected COVID-19 within the last 90 days.

Monkeypox Update
The monkeypox outbreak has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization. It is important to note that although the emergence of another viral disease is worrisome, monkeypox transmission is preventable, and there are already FDA-approved testing protocols and a vaccine in place. At this time, we are following guidance and case numbers provided by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD), Washington Department of Health, and CDC. As of Aug. 2, there are six known or suspected cases of monkeypox in Pierce County. The most current guidance regarding preventing transmission, signs and symptoms, safer sex and gatherings, and congregate living settings can be found on the CDC website. On campus, we are preparing in the following ways:

  • Offering disease prevention education. Outreach sessions on monkeypox and other communicable disease prevention will be offered through CHWS. Further details about time and locations will be provided through email and posted on the campus events calendar in the next few weeks. 
  • Making symptomatic testing for monkeypox available on campus through CHWS. At this time, there are no FDA-approved screening tests for monkeypox. Students experiencing symptoms (such as muscle aches or backache, swollen lymph nodes, and any rash located on or near the genitals or anus or on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth) should call 253.879.1555 to make an appointment with a provider. Charges will be billed to the student’s account. 
  • Collaborating with TPCHD and reviewing our protocols for contact tracing, disinfection, and isolation in the event of a positive case on campus. 
  • Staying up to date on vaccine recommendations. Currently, there is a limited amount of monkeypox vaccine available in Pierce County for high-risk and intermediate-risk close contacts. In the event of a positive case on campus, TPCHD will determine vaccine eligibility through contact tracing. CHWS is prepared to provide the vaccine to students if it becomes more widely available to clinics and providers in Pierce County. 
  • Designating a dedicated isolation space for students who test positive and cannot isolate at home. 
  • Reducing stigma through education and awareness. Monkeypox is a public health concern we all need to learn about. 
  • Providing information and support. Students who have concerns or questions about monkeypox may call 253.879.1555 to speak with a health care provider, or may email chws@pugetsound.edu. Please see the emergency website or CHWS website for updates as we approach fall semester. 

Communicable Disease Outbreak Prevention 

  • Once you arrive on campus, please be aware of actions you can take to prevent COVID-19, monkeypox, and other communicable disease outbreaks: 
    • Stay home when you feel sick. Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms and see a health care provider if needed. 
    • Wear a mask. Right now, COVID-19 cases on campus are low, and masking during indoor, group activities is not required, but recommended. Our COVID-19 Dashboard and COVID-19 Mitigation Action Plan will help us determine if masks become required. Additionally, monkeypox (and other viruses, such as cold and flu) can be spread through respiratory droplets (when someone coughs or sneezes). Wearing a mask can reduce exposure to respiratory droplets and protect others. 
    • Wash your hands frequently. 
    • Learn about monkeypox  risks and prevention strategies. Please see the emergency website for updates as we approach fall semester. 

CHWS is here to support you and answer your questions. Please reach out to 253.879.1555 or email chws@pugetsound.edu. For COVID-19 related questions, please email contacttracing@pugetsound.edu. It’s going to be a great year, Loggers! Travel safely, and we’ll see you soon! 

Best wishes, 

Dr. Kelly Brown, CHWS Director
Dr. Erin Potts, Counseling Services Director
Libby Baldwin, ARNP, Medical Director
& the rest of the CHWS Team