In response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Greek housing, the University of Washington has been working with these students, State and local authorities on strategies to reduce case numbers.
The Governor’s Office recently issued a proclamation establishing guidelines for higher education housing, including off-campus Greek housing. This proclamation limits the number of people who can share a room, limits the size of gatherings and requires people to wear a masks in common areas. It also requires colleges and universities to provide isolation and quarantine housing to off-campus students who request it.
To reduce parties and other gatherings during this pandemic, the University is working with the City of Seattle and Public Health – Seattle & King County on strategies to educate and remind students about protective practices and restrictions during the pandemic. This strategy includes outreach to students, increased UW Police presence north of campus, and special emphasis patrols during Halloween and on football gamedays to reduce gatherings. The University is also actively discouraging tailgating on gamedays. Access to UW parking lots for gatherings on game days will be prohibited.
If you see parties or other gatherings flouting COVID-19 prevention in the neighborhood, you can report your concerns to David Hotz (dhotz@uw.edu) at the UW’s Office of Greek Life or to the Community Standards and Student Conduct Office (cssc@uw.edu). Please include the address, relative size of group, and time/date of the gathering.
Although there is still work to do, COVID-19 case numbers in the Greek system seem to be slowing. Many students are working hard to keep themselves and their houses healthy and their focus is making a difference.