Novel coronavirus information

March 16, 2020

Updated state restrictions on events

Updating March 11 state and county directives regarding events and gatherings, effective March 16, 2020, events with expected attendance of 50 people or more in the state of Washington are prohibited by order of Governor Jay Inslee. Events of fewer than 50 people are also prohibited unless event organizers can take steps to minimize risk. These restrictions are in effect until March 31, 2020, but may be extended.

In light of these and previous state and county directives, the University of Washington directs that organizers of non-essential UW events cancel or postpone those events, or convert them to remote participation. Organizers of UW events that are deemed essential and that are still allowed under state and county restrictions therefore must implement measures to minimize risk as outlined by Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Please see “I’m hosting an event on campus. Should I cancel it?” for additional information, including on measures to minimize risk.


Previous update

March 11, 2020

New state, King County restrictions on events

Effective March 11, 2020, events with expected attendance of 250 people or more in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties are required, by order of Governor Inslee, to be cancelled. This restriction is in place through March 31, 2020, but may be extended.

As of that same date, Public Health – Seattle & King County has also mandated that all events and gatherings of fewer than 250 people in the county are prohibited unless event organizers can take steps to minimize risk. This restriction has no set end date.

In light of these measures, the University of Washington directs that organizers of non-essential UW events cancel or postpone those events, or convert them to remote participation.

Organizers of UW events that are deemed essential and that are still allowed under state and county restrictions therefore should implement measures to minimize risk as outlined by Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Please see “I’m hosting an event on campus. Should I cancel it?” for additional information, including on measures to minimize risk.