October 2, 2020
Health advisory: Surge in Greek community cases (Message to students living on or near the Seattle campus)
This message is being sent to students who live on the Seattle campus, with a nearly identical message going to students with addresses near the Seattle campus.
Dear Students,
Because you live on the Seattle campus, I want to make sure you are aware that 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.
If you have been in contact with members of the Greek community during the last 14 days, we strongly encourage you 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: During enrollment, answer “Yes” to the question “Have you had a high-risk exposure such as being in close contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours?” 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 know who have been in contact with members of the Greek community 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. (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 our 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 and your pack from this disease.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey S. Gottlieb, M.D., Ph.D.
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
