Novel coronavirus information

March 6, 2020

Presumptive positive COVID-19 test – staff member in Roosevelt Commons East

Sent on behalf of the University’s Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases to all students, faculty and staff at the University of Washington

Dear members of the UW community,

The UW Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD) has learned that a University of Washington staff member who works in Roosevelt Commons East has received a presumptive positive test for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The employee is in self-isolation at home, and we wish them the best in their recovery. Out of an abundance of caution, the building, which is located west of the UW’s Seattle campus in the 4300 block of 11th Ave. NE, has been closed for appropriate cleaning until further notice.

Because of the circumstances, the risk to the broader Seattle campus community from this case is believed to be low.

This individual was last in the building on February 24, 27 and 28, and those in direct contact with the individual are being contacted. Their manager and office colleagues have already been notified. They are believed to have had limited contact with anyone outside of their immediate office floor.

All occupants of the building who were in close contact with the ill employee have been notified and are asked to stay home for 14 days since their last contact with them.

This presumptive positive test was made using the UW Medicine COVID-19 virus test and confirmation will subsequently be done by Public Health – Seattle & King County.

The ACCD is not currently recommending additional measures beyond those that have already been indicated, but will continue to monitor the situation and advise the appropriate individuals or groups accordingly should that change.

For more information about COVID-19, see the University’s COVID-19 website. As a reminder, most people with COVID-19 infection develop mild to moderate illness without the need for medical care. Those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for developing serious illness. The most important thing we can do to limit the spread of illness is to:

  • Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for a least 20 seconds. If water is not available, use hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Immediately throw the tissue in the garbage.

The University’s Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases continues to respond to the outbreak in coordination with state and local health departments and will provide updated information to the University community as the situation warrants.

Geoffrey S. Gottlieb, M.D. Ph.D.
Interim Chair, UW Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases
Medical Director, UW Environmental Health & Safety Department
Professor of Medicine – Infectious Diseases
Adjunct Professor of Global Health
Center for Emerging & Re-emerging Infectious Diseases