Mar. 3, 2022
Updated COVID-19 Information
Dear CWU Community,
Thank you for your cooperation through fall and winter quarters in keeping students, employees, and visitors safe as we continue to deal with the effects of COVID-19. Transmission rates have greatly subsided over the last week and, as a result, we are in the process of reviewing guidance from the Washington State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and our local health officials. We also continue to confer with our shared governance groups at the university.
Winter Quarter Mask Policy
As you know, we decided to require masks across the university campus through the end of winter quarter. We will maintain this requirement for all indoor settings through March 18, 2022. However, in accordance with the state’s revised guidelines, CWU will end the face-covering policy for outdoor settings, effective immediately. While face coverings are no longer required outdoors, those who wish to wear a mask may continue to do so. As always, each of our University Centers and sites will follow the policies of their host institutions.
Spring Quarter Mask Policy
We are currently monitoring the data and guidelines that are being issued regarding masking. As you know, the state of Washington has ended its mask mandate for indoor settings as of March 12. The CDC has also come out with new advice on masking based on three factors: hospitalizations for COVID-19, proportion of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and transmission rates within a county.
We have been in discussion with our shared governance groups on campus regarding a masking policy for spring quarter and will continue those conversations as we monitor the data and the guidance. We will not rush this decision as we recognize that conditions are changing rapidly. We want to hear from all constituents as we review the science and the guidance of health officials, which have been the basis for our decision-making to date.
Testing Clinics
CWU will host three testing clinics in the SURC from March 29-31, after students come back from spring break. We have found these testing clinics have assisted us in the process of keeping our community healthy and safe.
We continue to urge all students and employees who are able to get a vaccination booster in order to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Please note that all policies are subject to change depending on official guidance from the local public health department and the state; changes will continue to be discussed with our shared governance groups.
We will communicate our decision regarding the indoor face-covering mandate for spring quarter as soon as it is made. We appreciate your patience as we watch the data, listen to the guidance of professionals, and confer with members of our community. Thank you for doing your part this year to help keep transmission rates low on campus and in the community.
Sincerely,
Jim Wohlpart
President