Coronavirus Update for March 17: New Guidance for Our Campus Community

Dear Campus Community,

Western Washington University, along with all of Whatcom County, has received new guidance today from the Whatcom County Health Department, which I want to share with you.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Whatcom County is still small, even as we are able to perform more tests. But there is strong evidence that the virus is widespread in our area. Here at Western, in particular, because so many 18-24 year old students may experience very mild symptoms, we have likely been in contact with the virus already. The Health Department counsels that our safest course of action is to assume that all public areas have had exposure, rather than trying to identify individual exposures and contacts. In short, it is best to consider that we have all had some contact with the virus, and take measures to limit its further spread, while monitoring our health.

We have received questions asking for details on the first confirmed case on campus. Please know that we will act on cases individually as appropriate, but will not share details, in compliance with federal privacy laws and health department guidance.

Social distancing, including the actions taken in the last week by the Governor, are a powerful tool to slow the spread of the virus, and to reduce the demand on hospitals and emergency rooms.

• Students and employees, whether on campus or at home, should limit their in-person contact with others as much as possible.
• Employees who can work from home should do so; consult your supervisor. Human Resources can also assist you.
• If you must be at work, use social distancing in the workplace. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Meet virtually or by phone. Stay home if you are sick.

We should all pay attention to symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If symptoms are mild, there’s no need for testing. Follow the guidance given by the CDC: stay home, stay away from others, and monitor your symptoms. If you feel worse, call your primary care provider. Do not go to the doctor’s office without calling first for instructions. You may safely go out again when you have had no fever for at least 72 hours without using fever-reducing medication, your other symptoms have improved, and it has been at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared.

On campus, our new cleaning protocols are approved by the Health Department, and they confirm that there is no need for additional cleaning in public spaces. Each of us should clean our own work surfaces, keyboards, touch screens, and phones daily with disinfecting wipes or cleansers. Shared surfaces should be cleaned after each use.

Every day, our situation evolves, and with it, our plans. We will continue to act quickly on the instructions we receive from the Health Department, keeping our goal of protecting life safety and minimize the spread of COVID-19 at the forefront of our decision-making.

We also recognize that as time goes on, unanswered questions increase. In particular, students and families are wondering if our plans for Spring Quarter have changed and what impact all of these changes will have on fees and charges. Please know that we are thinking carefully about those questions, and will communicate decisions as swiftly as we possibly can. In the midst of so much uncertainty, we recognize that families need lead time to make decisions.

There is a lot to think about in this message, and yet I recognize that you will likely have other questions and concerns. We’ll continue to communicate at least daily, providing updates and new information as it becomes available. We will coordinate closely with the Health Department and the Governor to implement necessary actions. And in all our decision-making, we will hold your health and well-being and the safety of our communities as our highest responsibility.

With appreciation for your partnership,

Melynda Huskey

Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services

The Incident Command System team at Western has established three goals for all of our preparation and response to COVID-19:  to protect life safety and minimize the spread of the coronavirus illness, to maintain – as much as possible – the continuity of Western’s operations, and to communicate with our communities as fully as possible.

Western's coronavirus information website features Frequently Asked Questions; has links to campus, regional and national resources; an archive of campus messaging and media stories about coronavirus; a new toll-free campus coronavirus information line, and more. The site is a living document, and will get frequent updates as the coronavirus situation evolves.