Novel coronavirus information

November 9, 2020

COVID-19 testing and safety guidance ahead of Thanksgiving and winter breaks

11/20/20 UPDATE – Due to increased demand for testing from individuals who are symptomatic or have been exposed to someone confirmed to have COVID-19, travel-related tests are not currently available. As a result of rising case counts in Washington and the United States, Governor Inslee has also issued a travel advisory. The UW strongly discourages non-essential travel, including holiday travel, and recommends avoiding indoor gatherings with people you don’t currently live with.

This message was sent to students, staff, faculty and other academic personnel at the University of Washington’s Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses on behalf of the UW Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases.

Dear UW Community,

As COVID-19 cases surge in and beyond our region, it will be especially important to protect yourself and your loved ones during the upcoming Thanksgiving and winter breaks by diligently following the 3 W’s: Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Here are resources and guidance if you are planning to travel or gather in the coming weeks.

Before Thanksgiving and winter breaks

If you are traveling:

Get tested for COVID-19. Plan your testing appointment so that you are tested within 72 hours of travel and able to obtain your results before traveling.

  • If you are enrolled in Husky Coronavirus Testing (HCT), you should receive an email or text by November 11 with instructions on how to get a travel-related test for Thanksgiving break, unless you had already indicated you weren’t interested. This testing will be available only by appointment or by home testing kit. HCT enrollees will also be contacted prior to winter break to schedule travel-related tests.
  • If you are not enrolled in HCT, see “I want to get tested for COVID-19. Where can I go?” for testing options.

Delay or cancel your travel if you test positive, have symptoms of COVID-19 or had close contact with someone who tested positive in the past 14 days. If you test positive, notify the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) COVID-19 Response and Prevention team at covidehc@uw.edu and see “What do I do if I have confirmed or suspected COVID-19?” for more information.

Follow the CDC COVID-19 travel guidance and take measures to protect yourself and others. Be especially diligent about watching your distance, wearing a mask and washing your hands.

Remember to get your seasonal flu vaccine to reduce your risk of catching both diseases at once.

If you don’t have to return to campus, consider extending your travel through the end of winter break.

During the breaks

Take COVID-19 safety precautions during Thanksgiving and winter breaks whether you are on or off campus.

Follow the CDC holiday guidance for lowering your risk of exposure while celebrating, including:

  • Limiting social gatherings to people who live with you
  • Wearing masks around people who don’t live with you
  • Protecting friends and family members who may be at high risk for more serious illness by maintaining at least 6 feet of distance, especially while eating and drinking

If you test positive for COVID-19: Self-isolate, delay or cancel any return travel until it is safe to be around other people, and notify the EH&S COVID-19 Response and Prevention team at covidehc@uw.edu.

After the breaks

If you traveled, get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible when you return to the University.

  • If you are enrolled in Husky Coronavirus Testing, you should receive an email or text by November 11 with instructions on how to get a travel-related test for Thanksgiving break, unless you had already indicated you weren’t interested. This testing will be available only by appointment or by home testing kit. HCT enrollees will also be contacted prior to winter break to schedule travel-related tests.
  • If you are not enrolled in HCT, see “I want to get tested for COVID-19. Where can I go?” for testing options.

If you test positive after the break, stay home and away from other people and notify the EH&S COVID-19 Response and Prevention team at covidehc@uw.edu.

If you participated in higher risk activities or think that you may have been exposed, in addition to following the 3 W’s, take these extra precautions to protect others for 14 days after you return: Stay home as much as possible and avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Contact the EH&S COVID-19 Response and Prevention Team at covidehc@uw.edu or 206-616-3344 if you have any questions about COVID-19.

Thank you for your ongoing efforts to keep yourself and your community safe. On behalf of the University, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Gottlieb, M.D., Ph.D.
Chair, University Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD)
Medical Director, Environmental Health & Safety Department
Professor, School of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases