October 1, 2020

Surge in Greek community cases — please get tested (Message to IFC and Panhellenic members)

This message was sent to members of organizations affiliated with the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association.

Dear Greek Community Member,

The UW Greek community is experiencing a significant outbreak of COVID-19 cases spread across multiple fraternity and sorority houses, associated “live-outs” and individual members. Case counts have increased rapidly over the last several days.

Because of this, there is a chance you have been exposed to COVID-19. We strongly encourage all members of the Greek community currently in Seattle to get tested for COVID-19 through the Husky Coronavirus Testing program at the UW Club on campus.

• If you have not yet enrolled in the program: When you enroll, indicate you are a member of the Greek community and you will be able to schedule a testing appointment.
• If you are already enrolled: During your next daily check-in, indicate you have had a high risk exposure and you will be able to schedule a testing appointment.

Please encourage others you live with and those you have spent time with to join you in enrolling and getting tested. Because it is the UW’s official testing program, getting tested through Husky Coronavirus Testing – instead of at another location – speeds the contact tracing process, which will help slow the outbreak. The UW will not use information from this program to discipline individuals.

If either of the following situations apply to you, self-isolate where you are currently living – leaving only for medical care or testing – and follow the relevant instructions.

• You have any COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive. (Follow the instructions at: What do I do if I have confirmed or suspected COVID-19?)
• You have been exposed to someone with symptoms or who received a positive test in the past 14 days OR you have been exposed to a member of a fraternity or sorority chapter with members who have tested positive in the past 14 days. Chapter presidents have been provided a list of chapters with confirmed positive cases. (Follow the instructions at: I may have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?)

Additional measures to stop this outbreak are also required. Please follow the 3 W’s – Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Watch your distance. – including inside shared living spaces, and avoid social gatherings. If you have any symptoms, please self-isolate and seek testing.

Our highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of your community and working diligently to prevent further transmission of COVID-19. For more information, please visit uw.edu/coronavirus.

Thank you in advance for taking action to protect yourself, your chapter and your pack from this disease.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Gottlieb, MD, PhD
Chair, University Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD)
Medical Director, Environmental Health & Safety Department
Professor, School of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases