WSU experiencing anticipated surge in COVID‑19 cases

Like other institutions across the U.S., WSU is experiencing a surge in positive cases of COVID‑19.* While these higher case counts were anticipated, they can still be concerning. WSU is monitoring multiple data points, including transmission patterns, local hospitalization rates, and the context of each case. These data points will guide our decision-making if we need to make any operational adjustments. If high rates of absences impact our ability to provide in‑person services or course delivery, we may implement short-term changes.

Instructors and supervisors are encouraged to practice leniency with students and employees who are absent due to illness, particularly as we navigate this surge for the next 10–14 days. Instructors should reference the Spring 2022 Course Delivery FAQs and employees may visit the HRS COVID‑19 site for more information.

We are asking each of you to do your part to help keep our communities healthy. This means:

• If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, stay home.

  Based on recent data, common symptoms of the omicron variant include a scratchy or sore throat, congestion, head and body aches, and/or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, please stay home for a minimum of five days or until your symptoms resolve (whichever is longer). If you have mild symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you may not need to be tested, provided your symptoms have resolved after five days of quarantine. However, if your symptoms are worsening or persistent, please consult with your medical provider. Please notify your supervisor and/or instructors of your need to quarantine.

• If you test positive for COVID‑19, stay home.

  If you test positive on any form of COVID‑19 test, regardless of your symptoms, please stay home and follow WSU’s isolation guidance. A positive result on a rapid (at‑home) test does not require additional testing. Please notify your supervisor and/or instructors of your need to isolate.

• If you are boosted or recently vaccinated** and come into close contact with someone who is confirmed to have COVID‑19, you may continue going to class/work provided you remain asymptomatic.

  Please wear a mask for 10 days when around others. High-quality masks (surgical/procedure mask, KN95, KF94, or equivalent) are strongly recommended. WSU still requires that everyone wear a mask when inside university facilities.

• If you have not received your booster and are not recently vaccinated** and come into close contact with someone who is confirmed to have COVID‑19, stay home for five days, provided you remain asymptomatic.

  Unboosted close contacts can contract and spread COVID‑19. Please notify your supervisor and/or instructors of your need to quarantine.

• If you tested positive for COVID‑19 in the previous 90 days and come into close contact with someone who is confirmed to have COVID‑19, you may continue going to class/work provided you remain asymptomatic.

  Please wear a mask for 10 days when around others. High-quality masks (surgical/procedure mask, KN95, KF94, or equivalent) are strongly recommended. WSU still requires that everyone wear a mask when inside university facilities.

• Unable to find a test?

  If you are a close contact of someone with confirmed COVID‑19 (unless you are recently vaccinated or boosted) or you have any cold- or flu-like symptoms, please stay home for a minimum of five days.

  • WSU Pullman students:

    Testing is available through Cougar Health Services (CHS), provided by Incyte Diagnostics. Appointments for testing are opened on a rolling basis, since diagnostic testing is only for those students experiencing COVID‑19 symptoms or who have a known exposure. Testing is available every weekday. If you only need testing, you may schedule a diagnostic test online. If you need to see a medical provider, call 509‑335‑3575 for an appointment with CHS.

  • Community testing:

    Please visit the Washington DOH testing website for more information.

*WSU’s current case counts are available online. They are updated weekly, on Wednesdays.

**Recently vaccinated individuals have completed both doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, or WHO-approved 2‑dose vaccine series within the last six months; or have completed the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) or WHO-approved single dose vaccine series within the last two months.