University of Washington cancels in-person classes. WSU Tri-Cities still open

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University of Washington students will not meet in person for classes or finals starting Monday to help protect staff and students from the novel coronvirus, the university said Friday morning.

A university staff member who works in Roosevelt Commons East has received an initial positive test for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, it said.

The classroom policy is a way to increase precautionary health measures, such as “social distancing,” or the amount of face-to-face contact people have in public places, the university posted on line.

Washington State University is holding classes as usual, except for at the Everett campus and the Everett University Center.

Their facilities were closed until Monday for a deep cleaning after a student at nearby Everett Community College tested positive for COVID-19.

No changes were reported on the WSU Tri-Cities campus in Richland.

As of Friday morning 11 people in Washington state had died from the COVID-19 virus, with the state Department of Health working to confirm three additional deaths. All but one were in King County, home to the main UW campus.

For the remainder of the UW winter quarter, which ends March 20, instructors are asked to conduct classes and exams remotely, if possible.

If the nature of the class prevents remote learning or tests via computers, other options may be uses, such as submitting grades based on work so far in the quarter.

“Our goal is to make sure that students’ academic work is fairly recognized and that any disruption does not present a disadvantage to their future academic progress, including admission to their preferred major in the months or years to come,” the university posted.

UW campuses will remain open for those who still need services, including hospitals and clinics, dining halls, residents halls, and recreation and athletics facilities.

However, Roosevelt Commons East, which is west of the UW Seattle campus in the 4300 block of 11th Ave. NE, has closed for cleaning.

The worker was last in the building on Feb. 24, 27 and 28. Those in the building indirect contact with the worker are being notified, and asked to stay home for 14 days since last contact with the infected worker.

The worker, who is in self-isolation at home, is believed to have mainly had contact with others on the same office floor, the university said.

Husky athletic events will continue as usual.

Normal classes are planned to resume when the spring quarter begins March 30, if public health officials agree it is the best choice.

This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 9:52 AM.