Healthy SPU Community Guidelines

Per March 2024 updated WA DOH and CDC guidelines, 5 day isolation is no longer required after testing positive for COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of any other illness not better explained by another cause (such as allergies), please remain at home or in your housing assignment until your symptoms are improving and you have had no fever, vomiting, or diarrhea for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication. You may resume normal activities on campus (work, classes, etc) when your symptoms are improving and you feel well enough to participate in normal activities. Wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when picking up to-go meals on campus and for the first five days after your return. It is the student's responsibility to notify professors of any missed class due to illness.

All persons on SPU’s campus should practice good hygiene including washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (e.g., before and after going to the bathroom, before and after eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose), not touching your face with unwashed hands or while wearing gloves, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It is important for the immune system to get enough sleep each night and for the body to be well fed and hydrated.

As of Nov. 1, 2022, COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required of students, employees, contractors, volunteers, or visitors on campus. However, SPU continues to encourage our community to stay up to date on their vaccinations.  Additionally, health care, extended care, and community sites still require that nursing students be vaccinated in order to be on site for practicum experiences.

Masks are not required on campus, except during a Health Services appointment when a student is exhibiting upper respiratory symptoms.  A well-fitting, high-quality mask helps protect the wearer and campus community from communicable illness. It is recommended that a mask be worn for 5 days upon returning to normal activities after COVID-19 infection. Individuals may choose to wear face coverings on campus for any reason.

Employees that choose to wear an N95 respirator are required to receive advisory information and should consult with Facilities to determine required use. 

Students who test positive for COVID-19, influenza, norovirus, or any other communicable illness should notify SPU Health Services through the secure messaging patient portal or by calling Health Services at 206-281-2231. This information will be used to monitor for general outbreaks.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 and believe their illness was the result of a workplace exposure should inform their supervisor and are required to notify Human Resources at hr@spu.edu or 206-281-2809 for required tracking per WA Labor and Industries.

For more information regarding SPUs health and safety protocols, please see the Communicable Illness Campus Plan. If you have questions regarding this plan, please contact the Office of Facility and Project Management at 206-281-2330 or workcontrol@spu.edu.

For questions regarding illness or to make an appointment, please contact Health Services at 206-281-2231.