Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Seattle University has been informed that a community member tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last known to have been on campus more than two weeks ago, on March 4. The community member is receiving medical care and recovering. Our thoughts and well wishes are with the individual.

After communication with Public Health – Seattle & King County no additional precautions are recommended since any close contact within the campus community would have occurred more than two weeks, or 14 days, ago. Public health guidance for people who have had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case is self-quarantine and monitoring of symptoms for 14 days. Seattle University has been regularly and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting buildings on campus, including all common and high-touch areas.

As a reminder with the increasing number of positive cases in our area everyone should assume that anyone they meet could have COVID-19. By practicing social distancing and staying home you can avoid coming into close contact with someone who is sick, protecting yourself as well as those in our community most at risk for severe disease.

In addition to practicing social distancing (maintaining at least six feet) and staying home, some other important steps to protect yourself and limit spread of illness include:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wash hands before eating, after using the restroom, when walking into a public space, when leaving a public space, when entering your home, and any other time you may have been in contact with others. If water is not available use hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick with any respiratory symptoms or fever.
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.

For more information, we encourage you to visit the university’s COVID-19 website, which is updated daily and includes answers to frequently asked questions and links to helpful public health resources.

Sincerely,

Tara Hicks, ARNP
Director of Student Health Center
Seattle University
Office: 206.296.6300 I Fax: 206.296.6089

https://www.seattleu.edu/student-health/

Alvin A. Sturdivant, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Development
Seattle University
Office: 206.296.6066 I Fax: 206.296.6063