In response to increasing COVID-19 cases statewide, Governor Jay Inslee announced today that all higher education employees in Washington will be required to be fully vaccinated by October 18 as a condition of employment. Individuals are "fully vaccinated" two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, and two weeks after the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This means you need the last dose of your vaccine by Oct. 4.

Exemptions will be given only for medical or religious reasons. WSU Spokane staff and faculty can declare their vaccination status in Workday.

Governor Inslee also announced today that starting next Monday, Aug. 23, face coverings will be required in all public indoor settings across the state regardless of an individual's vaccination status. This applies to staff, faculty, students, contractors, visitors and volunteers on the WSU Spokane campus.

Similar to the COVID protocols prior to this summer, employees do not need to wear face coverings while alone in their offices or while eating or drinking. Face coverings are required in all other indoor settings: hallways, bathrooms, classrooms, meeting rooms, etc. Please see WSU's system-wide announcement for more information.

If you still need a vaccine, WSU Spokane will host vaccine clinics on campus beginning tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the Nursing courtyard. The vaccines are free. Find more information here.

Lastly, make sure you bookmark WSU's COVID-19 website as plans and protocols are updated regularly.