Wendell Hill Hall B COVID-19 Retesting, Reveal Excellent Results

A second phase of COVID-19 testing at Central Washington University on Monday, October 26, revealed only one new case out of 148 students and employees who were retested.

The student from Wendell Hill Hall B who tested positive was symptomatic and has been in isolation since Monday, October 26. Eight more students from the residence hall tested positive on October 19, 2020, and have been in isolation since that time.

CWU President James L. Gaudino praised the work of university staff and public health officials for successfully containing the outbreak.

"The cooperation of our students, employees-particularly Shawnté Elbert, Dr. Carylin Holsey and her team at Student Health Services and Housing and Residence Life staff-and the continued collaboration from Dr. Mark Larson and his staff at the Kittitas County Public Health Department is to be commended," he said. "This is what #CWUTogether means-that we each have a responsibility to follow practices that ensure we keep our community healthy and safe."

Gaudino noted that the campus community has been diligent in adhering to safety guidelines, such as physical distancing, wearing face coverings, and washing hands. He also thanked the residents and staff of Wendell Hill Hall B for following testing and retesting protocols.

"These proactive steps to identify and isolate cases, as well as our campus' continued cooperation, will aid in slowing the spread and keeping the university's doors open," Gaudino said.