WSU monitoring public health data in light of Omicron variant
Washington State University continues to track conditions across the
state with regards to the Omicron variant of COVID‑19.
Decision-making concerning campus operations will continue to be
informed by data and guidance from state and county health agencies.
WSU leaders remain confident that, based on current conditions, the
Spring 2022 semester will be in‑person at all physical campuses.
As of earlier this week, there are less than 10 active COVID‑19
cases across the entire system. High rates of vaccination among
students and employees bolsters WSU against the threat posed by
Omicron and mitigate the risk of severe illness within local
communities.
Anyone over the age of 16 is eligible for a booster shot,
and we encourage all members of the WSU community to obtain a
COVID‑19 booster as soon as possible. Boosters are proving to be largely
effective against Omicron. The state of Washington’s Vaccine Locator tool
can help residents find a vaccine or booster nearby.
Though Cougar Health Services is also planning to increase its
number of boosters available to students on the WSU Pullman campus
following the winter break, don’t wait until January if you are
eligible now.
Unvaccinated populations face the greatest threat from the
Omicron variant, according to the World Health Organization and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s why it is
critically important that any unvaccinated members of the WSU community
seek out the COVID‑19 vaccine with urgency.
Face masks will continue to be critical in preventing the
spread of illness during the holiday season. The university
implores Cougs to keep their masks on indoors, especially when
there are large numbers of people of unknown vaccination status.
With the arrival of winter, it’s also important for everyone
to get a seasonal flu shot to help reduce the spread of illness.
Leaders at each WSU campus are monitoring conditions within
their communities and will take appropriate action to protect
public health. Updates will continue to be provided in the coming
weeks.
