Western COVID Cases and Spring Testing Update

Dear Western Community, 

Over the course of the past week, Western’s Student Health Center and the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) continue to discover numerous COVID positive cases among Western students. Initially contact tracing efforts identified off-campus parties and other large social gatherings as the cause for this increase. However, in the past week WCHD has confirmed nearly 30 positive COVID cases involving students living in Fairhaven and Nash residence areas. 

Further contact tracing will be needed to determine the cause for these increases. 

Based on this dramatic increase in cases, we are asking that students should make their COVID testing appointment now for Spring Quarter 2021! If you have an on-campus presence this coming quarter, reserve your appointment for free COVID testing. Western’s COVID-19 surveillance testing clinic, Fraser Hall is open Monday – Thursday. Space is limited! Make your online appointment at studenthealth.wwu.edu/mywesternhealth. No walk-ins accepted. Appointments are first-come, first-served. 

If you have been in contact with a COVID positive individual or have COVID-like symptoms on the day of your appointment, please cancel your appointment at Fraser Hall. Then, call the Student Health Center at 360-650-3400 and ask to speak to a nurse. We will be happy to arrange alternative COVID testing as needed. Remember that wearing a face mask, washing your hands frequently, practicing physical distancing, and gathering with no more than 5 people outside of your household, preferably outdoors, remain the best ways to protect against COVID-19. 

Thank you for doing your part to keep Western safe! For more information on how to socialize safely, go to https://studenthealth.wwu.edu/socialize-safely. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Sislena Grocer Ledbetter, executive director, Counseling Health and Wellness 
Dr. David Hansen, associate medical director, Student Health Center 

#BeWellWWU