Dear Loggers,

On this last day of the fall semester, I wish for us all a safe and healthy winter break.

Over the past week, we have learned more about the COVID-19 Omicron variant and transmissibility, and are following the news regarding the significant outbreak at Cornell University in New York. We encourage everyone to continue to follow public health guidance, and to prepare for the spring semester as follows:

To continue to protect the health of the campus community, COVID-19 booster shots are required prior to your return to campus following winter break or as soon as you are eligible.

  • Everyone age 16 or older is eligible for a booster six months after the date of their second Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or two months after the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
  • Puget Sound’s initial vaccination requirement went into effect August 11, 2021. It is expected that all members of the campus community should be eligible for a booster shot by mid-February.
  • Those who have received a single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and either a Moderna or Pfizer booster are not required to obtain a third shot.
  • Those with a recent infection are still eligible for the booster shot. 
  • Those who have received an approved medical or religious exemption are not required to receive a booster shot.

Proof of booster vaccination must be submitted to:

Testing is required before returning to campus.

  • All students, faculty and staff are required to test for COVID-19 prior to arrival on campus for the spring semester. Testing is not recommended for 90 days after a recent COVID-19 infection.
  • If you have not already done so, pick up your free at-home test kit now, and use it the week before returning to campus in January (or during the first week of January if you are not leaving campus for the break).
  • Remaining pick-up dates, times and locations:
    • Wheelock 208
      Friday, Dec. 17; Monday, Dec. 20–Wednesday, Dec. 22, 8:30 a.m.–noon and 1–4:30 p.m.
      Thursday, Dec. 23, 8:30 a.m.–noon
    • Security Services
      Saturday, Dec. 18–Sunday, Dec. 19; open 24 hours a day

Additional guidance may be released before the beginning of the spring semester. Meanwhile, thank you for observing these important requirements, and for everything you continue to do to protect your health and the health of our Logger community.

Sincerely,

Isiaah
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President