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WSU Pullman

WA “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order and WSU Pullman

March 23, 2020 8:52pm

UPDATE 4/2/20 6:00p.m.

WA Governor Inslee has extended the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order through May 4th, 2020. This extension will not include any further restrictions. WSU operations will continue; however, only essential personnel are to report to their physical WSU work location.

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Earlier tonight, Governor Inslee issued a “Stay Home Stay Healthy” order for the state of Washington. For additional information on how this affects our WSU community, see this link to updated language on the WSU Human Resource Services website.

WSU Pullman has received personal reports of positive tests for COVID-19. WSU is investigating these reports to determine the validity of the information and will continue to update the WSU community of confirmed cases of COVID-19 that might impact our WSU Pullman population. At this time, there have been no official reports of positive test results. When official reports are received from Whitman County Public Health, we will work to inform and provide guidance to all close contacts of the individual as soon as possible.

You may see increased cleaning throughout campus due to self-reports of possible exposures to individuals who have been tested for COVID-19. WSU custodial staff has increased cleaning frequencies for high use locations on campus and is using COVID-19 sanitation guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Washington State Department of Health (DOH) for all routine cleaning including common touch surfaces.

WSU has taken proactive steps such as moving to online classes and telework to enhance social distancing. By limiting the number of people on campus, we can reduce the potential for community spread of COVID-19. The WSU community should continue to be vigilant with social distancing, including:

  • Stay home when you are sick – this is very important for all illnesses, but especially for the duration of a respiratory illness
  • Students, if you have not returned to Pullman, please stay at home if you are able.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and use alcohol-based sanitizer frequently
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes by coughing into your elbow or a tissue
  • Frequently clean and disinfect high-touch and common surfaces
  • Enhance social distancing (more than 6 feet)
  • Stay away from people who are sick
  • If you have coronavirus symptoms – fever, cough and shortness of breath – or if you have questions about your personal health, contact your health care provider.

Information included here and in the WSU Alert notification sent 3/23/20 are intended to keep our community as informed and safe as possible and to meet Clery Act compliance.

Important Public Health Information

There has been a recent outbreak of mumps at our neighboring campus, the University of Idaho. As of November 19, 2014, 10 cases of mumps have been confirmed with over 20 additional reports under investigation. No recent cases of mumps have been reported to date in Pullman or Whitman County.

Mumps is a contagious viral illness that spreads from person to person via droplets of saliva or mucous from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person; spread is commonly associated with coughing, sneezing or talking. The virus can also be spread when an infected person touches surfaces without washing their hands and another … » More …

Former Student At-risk Situation Resolved Successfully

Earlier today the WSU Police Department and Pullman Police Department received information regarding a former student whose actions caused concerns that he might be a risk to himself. Acting on information received from both family members and a WSU athletics unit, police located that individual, conducted a welfare check, and have resolved that situation. There is no threat to the WSU Pullman Campus.