As of March 22, the State of Washington is in Phase 3 for Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery. In Phase 3, social distancing, masking, and disinfection are still required by the State regardless of vaccination status, and the UW must comply with those requirements.
What has changed that could impact research:
- Virtual meetings and small gatherings are still strongly encouraged. However, in-person work or academic and other University-related meetings and gatherings (including those for research purposes) may occur under the following conditions:
- Total attendees are within space capacity/occupancy limitations as dictated by health guidelines (distancing, masking, cleaning)
- A COVID-19 Site Supervisor is available and appropriate personnel are on site to monitor compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols
- Employees who are currently teleworking are not required to come to work in person, including for meetings, unless it is required to support critical unit operations; if you have in-person research-related meetings, a remote option must be provided
- Units have worked with Building Coordinators to review building readiness guidelines and ensured meeting spaces can be accessed and re-occupied in a safe manner
The only change for those who are fully vaccinated is: if they are exposed to a person with COVID, they are not required to quarantine. However, anyone who has traveled should still quarantine for either 7 days if they test negative 3-5 days after returning or 10 days if they do not get tested, even if vaccinated. See this CDC link for more information on travel-related quarantining.
Updated guidance for field work will be provided soon.
For more information on Returning to Work in Phase 3 during this period, see this link under Prevention Planning.
