Dear Members of the Campus Community,

On September 8, 2022, Governor Inslee announced that all remaining COVID-19 emergency proclamations and the COVID-19 state of emergency will end by October 31, 2022. This announcement, along with the availability of an updated bivalent booster, serves as a reminder that we are no longer in the acute phase of the pandemic, and we have the tools and knowledge to proceed differently than we did in 2020 - 2021 and through the Omicron surge of 2022. Our policies, which served us well during the acute phase, have been evaluated and the following changes have been made:

Isolation Policy:

  • Effective immediately, the university will align our isolation policy with Washington State DOH and CDC isolation guidelines. This means we will no longer require a negative antigen test to leave isolation after day 6 for individuals who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Individuals who meet the CDC requirements may return to in-person activities on or after day 6 while adhering to strict mask-wearing until day 11.
  • Individuals who test positive should continue to notify contacttracing@pugetsound.edu to report the case, participate in contact tracing, and receive guidance regarding return to in-person activities.
  • On-campus students who live in a single room may now isolate in place while adhering to strict mask wearing if they must leave their room, and limiting unmasked time in the restroom to less than 10 minutes. Students who live in a double room with a roommate, must isolate in the isolation residence hall for the full ten day period, but may return to in-person activities on or after day six if they meet the criteria for ending isolation.

Visitor and Events Policy:

  • In light of Governor Inslee’s announcement, on November 1, 2022, we will lift all remaining restrictions on visitors to campus that were outlined in our Interim Policy for In-Person Events. 

General Public Health Reminders:

  • It is important to note that during the fall and winter we typically see higher rates of respiratory illnesses. All campus members are encouraged to:
    • Stay up to date with COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.
  • A booster clinic will be held on October 13 in Upper Marshall Hall.
    • Practice frequent hand hygiene.
    • Stay home when you are ill.
    • Seek appropriate testing, which remains available on campus.
    • Seek appropriate care, and reach out to your healthcare provider as needed.
    • Wear a mask (encouraged in indoor, group settings).

For all current policies related to COVID-19, you can visit this page. Again, thank you for all you have done to successfully keep the campus safe—and for continuing to take necessary steps to protect yourself and our community. We look forward to continuing to work together with compassion and grace.

Bob Kief and the COVID-19 Management Group