Coronavirus Cluster At University Of Washington's Greek Row

SEATTLE, WA — King County public health officials are working to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 illnesses reported among at least 10 fraternity houses north of the University of Washington's Seattle campus.

According to a UW news release, at least 38 students have tested positive for the coronavirus in recent days, prompting a coordinated response led by Public Health - Seattle & King County. The university estimates close to 1,000 students are currently living in the 25 off-site fraternity houses, which are separately governed by national boards.

"While we were pleased to see most of the houses had previously taken measures to reduce resident capacity by up to 50% this summer in response to COVID-19, those measures are not sufficient without vigilant, daily preventative measures, such as wearing face coverings, physical distancing and hand hygiene," said Dr. Jeffrey Gottlieb, chair of the UW Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases.

Officials said the student-run Interfraternity Council will coordinate with the university and public health workers to verify residents in the Greek system, and visitors to the properties, are "engaged in active containment of the outbreak."

University officials said leaders from the fraternities involved reported all students with confirmed infections are isolating and none have reported severe symptoms.

All students living along Greek Row with confirmed infections, potential symptoms or suspected exposures are asked to quarantine or self-isolate.

Confirmed UW coronavirus cases by campus (June 30, 2020)

Gottlieb said the recent cases serve as a reminder for students as they plan to return to campus for the fall quarter.

"If everyone does their part to keep each other safe, we can continue to engage with one another and with our studies in the University environment by wearing face coverings and remaining physically distant," Gottlieb said. "If we don't, measures such as what are now required on Greek Row will be inevitable."

All students with positive tests or suspected infections can contact the university's Environmental Health & Safety Department via e-mail.

The University of Washington School of Medicine established a testing facility within walking distance of Greek Row to make it easier for all students to be screened for the virus. According to The Daily, tests are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and appointments are encouraged.

General public health reminders:

• Wear a face covering in public spaces
• Keep 6 feet of distance from other people, whenever possible. Outdoors is better than indoors
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently

Find updated details on coronavirus cases at the University of Washington here.