Welcome to a new academic year at the University of Washington! As we begin autumn quarter and respiratory illness season, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is sharing resources and steps we can all take to protect against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as influenza and RSV.
Vaccination
Everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot and stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines. Seasonal vaccination clinics are being offered at several campus locations throughout October for personnel and students.
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics sponsored by Whole U
- Student vaccination clinics through Husky Health
Vaccinations can also be obtained at local pharmacies and by personal health care providers.
COVID-19 tests
Free at-home COVID-19 tests are available again through the federal government (up to four tests per household). To order, visit COVIDTests.gov.
COVID-19 tests can also be purchased at local retailers, including the Rubenstein Pharmacy in the Husky Health Center. Taking a COVID-19 test is recommended if you develop respiratory symptoms.
Additional reminders
Symptoms
Follow the guidance in the UW Public Health Flowchart for COVID-19 and Respiratory Symptoms if you experience new or worsening symptoms.
Positive COVID-19 test
- UW personnel who believe their COVID-19 illness was a result of a workplace exposure are required to submit an incident report to Environmental Health & Safety via the Online Accident Reporting System (OARS).
- If you test positive for COVID-19, you are still strongly encouraged to notify friends, colleagues, and relatives who may been exposed.
Masks
- You can expect to see more people masking indoors during fall and winter months. Masks continue to be available in various locations on campus.
- Masks will be required in UW healthcare facilities during respiratory illness season based on public health indicators. Remember to follow masking signs in clinics.
- Visit the UW Face Covering Policy webpage for updates.
Practice good hygiene, washing your hands often and avoiding touching your face.
Updated respiratory illness resources
Over the summer, Environmental Health & Safety updated several University COVID-19 and respiratory illness resources to align with federal and state local health and regulatory agency updates. This includes COVID-19 Illness and Exposure Guidance, UW Face Covering Policy, and the UW Respiratory Illness Health and Safety Plan.
Read a summary of these changes.
By taking the easy steps above, we can help make the start of the school year healthy and joyful for ourselves and everyone in our community. Thank you for all that you’ve done and that you continue to do to foster a culture of health and wellness at the University of Washington.
Please direct any questions to Environmental Health & Safety.