In response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Greek housing, the 91̽»¨ has been working with these students, State and local authorities on strategies to reduce case numbers.
The Governor’s Office recently issued a  establishing guidelines for higher education housing, including off-campus Greek housing. This proclamation limits the number of people who can share a room, limits the size of gatherings and requires people to wear a masks in common areas. It also requires colleges and universities to provide isolation and quarantine housing to off-campus students who request it.
To reduce parties and other gatherings during this pandemic, the University is working with the City of Seattle and Public Health – Seattle & King County on strategies to educate and remind students about protective practices and restrictions during the pandemic. This strategy includes outreach to students, increased 91̽»¨Police presence north of campus, and special emphasis patrols during Halloween and on football gamedays to reduce gatherings. The University is also actively discouraging tailgating on gamedays. Access to 91̽»¨parking lots for gatherings on game days will be prohibited.
If you see parties or other gatherings flouting COVID-19 prevention in the neighborhood, you can report your concerns to David Hotz (dhotz@uw.edu) at the UW’s Office of Greek Life or to the Community Standards and Student Conduct Office (cssc@uw.edu). Please include the address, relative size of group, and time/date of the gathering.
Although there is still work to do, COVID-19 case numbers in the Greek system seem to be slowing. Many students are working hard to keep themselves and their houses healthy and their focus is making a difference.Â