In May, Governor Jay Inslee announced most remaining COVID-19 restrictions would lift by June 30 or earlier if more than 70 percent of Washingtonians over the age of 16 initiated vaccination. While the state has yet to reach 70 percent according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the majority of Washington state’s COVID-19 restrictions were lifted as planned yesterday. Some mask requirements did stay in place for individuals who aren’t vaccinated.
The Governor also issued a new proclamation for higher education institutions clarifying requirements for campuses. To be exempt from the proclamation, the UW must meet the following requirements: have a policy requiring students, staff, and faculty to be vaccinated, subject to medical, religious, or philosophical exemptions; put a policy and procedures in place to verify vaccinations status; and require students, faculty, and staff who claim an exemption to wear a face covering. The University currently has plans in place to meet these requirements and will follow the DOH’s COVID-19 recommendations as encouraged.
The UW is working to quickly adjust its own policies to match the new guidance from DOH. In the meantime, the University’s current health and safety policies, including masking and distancing requirements, will remain in effect until changes are communicated by the Executive Office or Environmental Health & Safety. For UW COVID-19 updates, click here.