By Emily Groseclose
Reporter
Pacific Lutheran University’s COVID-19 case count is down to one active case, but new statewide restrictions have been put in place that will affect the university.
Since the beginning of the semester, PLU has had 19 total cases, including the current active case located in Ordal Hall. As of November 24, this person was relocated to an off-campus residence to isolate. There were no close contacts from PLU as this person contracted the virus in another county amongst non-PLU students, faculty or staff.
These seemingly low case numbers come amidst the peak of the United States’ second wave of COVID-19. Because of the rise in cases, Washington Governor Jay Inslee instated new statewide restrictions starting November 16.
These restrictions are similar to those imposed earlier in the year, including shutting down dine-in service at restaurants, fitness centers, and other activities that require gatherings. PLU focused on two specific restrictions: interstate travel and indoor gatherings.
PLU strongly encouraged students to refrain from traveling to or from campus for the holidays, per the recommendations of the CDC. However, because of the inevitability of students traveling home for the holidays, PLU still set forth instructions for how to check out of a residence hall and get a housing refund for Thanksgiving break until J-Term.
In accordance with the restrictions on indoor gatherings, PLU limited Names Fitness Center’s hours, switched to virtual tours for Admissions and Athletics, and prohibited guests in residence hall rooms and apartments.
The last restriction caused outcry from students, prompting PLU to reimagine the rules for guests. As of November 19, Residential Life reinstated the one-guest-per-resident rule, with the following stipulations: Guests must be an active PLU community member, physical distancing and mask-wearing are strongly encouraged, and card access is still restricted to residence hall members, so guests must enter the building accompanied by the host.
The statewide restrictions will last until December 14. Until then, stay safe, wash your hands, and wear your mask.
For more information on the new restrictions and the QTQ process, visit https://www.plu.edu/coronavirus/updates-announcements/messages-to-the-community/
