With the expiration of the federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, University of Puget Sound has modified our COVID-19 policies effective as of May 22, 2023.
Vaccination Requirements
All campus members are highly encouraged to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 and other vaccinations. The COVID-19 vaccination is not required for incoming and current students, staff, and faculty. This change follows guidance from the federal and state government and aligns with other institutions of higher education in our region.
Positive Cases & Contact Tracing
Contact tracing will no longer be performed and notifications of close contact/exposure will not be sent for workplace or classroom exposures.
If you test positive for COVID-19:
Isolation period: Day zero of your isolation period is calculated using the first date of symptom onset, or the date of your positive test.
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All campus members:
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Follow CDC guidance regarding isolation, masking, and return to in-person activities on campus.
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Notify close contacts.
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Students:
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During the regular academic year:
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Contact CHWS for isolation guidance, symptom management, and/or an appointment with a healthcare provider.
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Notify your professors that you will be absent and make arrangements to review material that you will miss.
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If you live on campus, see guidelines for “On-campus isolation” below.
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Faculty and staff:
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Notify supervisor(s) of your absence during isolation.
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For isolation guidance or symptom management, employees on the Premera health plan can utilize the Premera NurseLine 24/7 1.800.841.8343 or contact their healthcare provider.
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On-campus isolation
An isolation in place model is in use.
On-campus students who test positive for COVID-19, should isolate their assigned room.
They may leave their room while wearing a mask for essential purposes during days 1 - 5. Essential purposes include accessing healthcare, picking up meals, using the restroom, taking out trash, and responding to emergency alarms.
Meal delivery is not provided to students in isolation. Students who are isolating should wear a mask and utilize grab-and-go options from on-campus dining locations. They are not permitted to eat indoors in on-campus dining locations during the isolation period.
If a student is housed in a double room on campus, they will isolate in their assigned room. Their (non-sick) roommate will have the choice to stay in the room, or the non-sick roommate may request a vacant room for a maximum of ten days. If the non-sick roommate chooses to stay with a roommate who has tested positive while they complete their isolation, they should refer to CDC guidance or reach out to CHWS for guidance on how to care for themselves.
If the non-sick roommate chooses to move to a vacant room, they should contact ResX during business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), at 253.879.3317 for assistance and room assignment. After hours or on weekends, room assignments may be obtained by contacting Security Services who will put the student in touch with the Dean on Call.
After the room assignment is completed, the non-sick student will pick up their key from Security Services. In the room, no linens, fridges, or microwaves are provided, and rooms are available to the same student only once per semester. After a maximum of ten days, the non-sick roommate must move back into their assigned room; under no circumstances may they stay in the vacant room.
COVID-19 Testing
CHWS provides COVID-19 testing to students who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms if clinically indicated during an appointment with a provider. The cost of the test(s) and any exam fees will be billed to the student account. Please note that CHWS is closed for medical appointments during summer and winter break. To schedule an appointment, call 253.879.1555.
CHWS does not provide at-home COVID-19 tests or masks. We recommend that students purchase the following items:
- a thermometer
- COVID-19 tests
- high quality masks (N95/KN95s)
- over-the-counter medications
Face Coverings
It is recommended that students purchase their own KN95 or N95 masks. Masking is encouraged when community rates of respiratory illness are high. Individuals who are sick or who have been exposed to COVID-19 should wear a mask. All campus members should be prepared to provide their own masks as needed for the situations described.
Contact Numbers
- Security Services: 253.879.3311
- CHWS: 253.879.1555
- ResEx 253.879.3317
- Center for Student Support: 253.879.2751
- Multicare NurseLine 24/7 (for students only): 253.693.7713
- UWill Online Therapy Crisis Support 833.646.1526
- National Suicide and Crisis Line: 988