COVID-19 update for CWU faculty and staff

Dear CWU Staff and Faculty:

As we enter the holiday season, it's important that we keep in mind the recommendations of our health experts: avoid close contact with people outside your household, continue to wear your face covering, practice physical distancing, avoid confined indoor spaces, and wash your hands often. By doing so, you can protect your loved ones and those who are most vulnerable to the virus.

To better help control the spread of COVID-19, Central Washington University is also adopting the following guidelines:

• While testing for staff and faculty is not mandatory, all university employees are encouraged to be tested, especially if they work on-site or spend any time on-site.

Free testing is available for university employees in Ellensburg at KVH (716 E. Manitoba). The clinic is open daily (except holidays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff and faculty living in King, Pierce, or Yakima counties can take advantage of free testing opportunities in those areas. The following links offer specific information about dates, times, and locations:

• King County
• Pierce County
• Yakima County
• If you are showing any of the symptoms of the virus, such as a higher-than-normal temperature or loss of taste or smell, get tested as soon as you can.
• If you travel out of state, it is recommended you quarantine for 14 days. If unable to do so, it is suggested that you quarantine for seven days, and then get tested. Check out the Washington State Travel advisory webpage for additional information.

All university faculty, staff, and students are required to complete the online attestation form located in MyCWU. Employees must complete the form by January 15.

Consider downloading the Washington State Department of Health's new WA Notify (Washington Exposure Notification) app on their smartphones. The app alerts users to the possibility they have come in contact with COVID-19 and is another tool for protecting yourself and others.

• Supervisors or managers are not required nor encouraged to monitor employee adherence to quarantine recommendations.

I am confident that if we adhere to these guidelines and continue to follow safe practices, we will minimize the impacts of the virus at our university and in our communities

Best wishes for a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.

Shawnte Elbert
Associate Dean of Health & Wellness