UW Research

March 23, 2021

COVID Phase 3 Updates for Research

As of March 22, the State of Washington is in Phase 3 for Healthy Washington:  Roadmap to Recovery. In Phase 3, physical distancing, masking, disinfection, and staying home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms are still required by the State regardless of vaccination status, and the UW must comply with those requirements.

What has changed that could impact research:

  • Virtual meetings and small gatherings are still strongly encouraged.  However, in-person work or academic and other University-related meetings and gatherings (including those for research purposes) may occur under the following conditions (all must be met):
    • Total attendees are withinspace capacity/occupancy limitations as dictated by health guidelines (distancing, masking, cleaning)
    • A COVID-19 Site Supervisor is available and appropriate personnel are on site to monitor compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols
    • Employees who are currently teleworking are not required to come to work in person, including for meetings, unless it is required to support critical unit operations; if you have in-person research-related meetings, a remote option must be provided
    • Units have worked with Building Coordinators to reviewbuilding readiness guidelines and ensured meeting spaces can be accessed and re-occupied in a safe manner

The only change for those who are fully vaccinated at this time is: if they are exposed to a person with COVID-19, they are not required to quarantine, as long as they are not experiencing symptoms. The University will update guidance for those who are fully vaccinated as updates are made by the state and local health agencies.

Updated travel quarantine guidance: Anyone who has traveled should still quarantine for either 7 days if they test negative 3-5 days after returning or 10 days if they do not get tested, even if vaccinated. See this link for more updated travel-related quarantine guidance. Non-essential travel is still discouraged.

Updated guidance for field research quarantine and testing can be found here.  Updated guidance for field work safety will be provided soon.

For more information on Returning to Work in Phase 3 during this period, see this link under Prevention Planning.