Prevention Efforts for COVID-19 in On-Campus Residences
The Residential Experience Office is pleased to welcome students to campus for Fall 2021. During this unique time, we have been working closely with staff in Counseling, Health & Wellness Services (CHWS); Facilities Services; Security Services; Dining and Event Services; and local and state agencies to prepare for your return. As a campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will have students who have been vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and students who have been exempted from the vaccine requirement.
Our prevention guidelines are subject to change as conditions may change and the pandemic may change. Puget Sound will follow directives from campus, local, and state agencies and governments.
Caring for the Community
Puget Sound requires all students, staff, and faculty to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This will allow Puget Sound to resume campus life with minimal restrictions. However, not everyone on our campus can be vaccinated for medical or religious reasons. We will care and support all students whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. As Loggers, we are dedicated to not making assumptions about people’s vaccination status or people wearing or not wearing face coverings.
Preparing to Come to Campus
To ensure you are prepared for your return, make sure to refer to the What to Pack web page as you prepare. In addition to the typical items, be sure to bring the following: reusable face coverings, thermometer, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Puget Sound may be able to provide a reusable mask upon request.
Face Coverings
Wearing face coverings is a good prevention effort to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. We encourage all students to wear face coverings indoors and in large gatherings. Vaccinated students are not required to wear face coverings, but are encouraged to do so if they feel comfortable. If you feel safer in a face covering, wear it! Unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated students are required to wear face coverings indoors except in their bedroom.
Face coverings include masks and gators. Unvaccinated students are not allowed to wear bandanas, face shields, or vented masks as face coverings.
Handwashing
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website to review recommendations on hand hygiene and how to protect yourself and others.
Symptomatic Testing
Regardless if you are vaccinated, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should wear a mask and take a COVID-19 test in CHWS (Wheelock Student Center, room 216).
Residential Facilities and Cleaning
The Facilities Services team are following the CDC guidance on cleaning and disinfecting all common areas and community bathrooms in the residence halls.