COVID 19 Guidance – The Seattle U Newsroom – News, stories and more

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

With Omicron cases continuing to decline, we are seeing an easing of COVID-related restrictions in our county and state. As you know, the State of Washington is lifting its indoor face covering mandate for schools and businesses on Saturday, March 12. As we continue to follow public health guidance, the university likewise has decided to end its indoor masking requirement. However, this change will not go into effect until Monday, March 21. Until then, the universitys current face covering policy must be followed.

Following are more specifics on the coming change to our masking guidelines, as well as updates to our Safe Start Health Check requirement, guidance on gatherings and entry testing.

Face coverings

- For Seattle University, this applies to the Student Health Center, on-campus COVID testing sites and at clinical sites where masking requirements will remain in effect.

- In addition, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Disability Services and the Athletic Training Room will continue to require face coverings after March 21.

- Otherwise, no departments or offices should put in place face covering protocols that are more restrictive than the universitys policy.

Members of the SU community are encouraged to evaluate their personal level of risk in determining whether to wear a face covering. As a reminder, community members can access masks through the university, including KN95s, through their designated contact.

Updates to Safe Start Health Check, event guidelines and entry testing for Spring Quarter

Entering a new phase with hope and vigilance

While many welcome the opportunity to remove face coverings and lift other COVID-related guidelines, we all know that COVID is and will continue to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. The hope is that by continuing to do our part we can help manage it in a way that does not disrupt our daily lives. Staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the most effective measures we can take to keep the virus and its most serious effects at bay. If you havent done so already, please register your booster. The deadline is April 1.

And while the current numbers are trending in the right direction, the virus has been known to change course and impact our plans. If a new variant emerges, it may require us to pivot and reinstate policies and guidelines in such areas as face coverings, health screenings and events. As has been true for the past two years, we will continue to prioritize the well-being of our campus community, follow the latest public health guidance and make any adjustments that are needed to our COVID response.

Thank you for continuing to care for one another and for all that you do for Seattle University.

Sincerely,

Shane P. Martin, PhD, ProvostCo-Chair, Seattle University Opening Task Force

Timothy P. Leary, PhD, Executive Vice PresidentCo-Chair, Seattle University Opening Task Force

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COVID 19 Guidance - The Seattle U Newsroom - News, stories and more