An outbreak of coronavirus cases was reported in the Greek rank of the University of Washington, the school said Friday.
Seattle Public University said it confirmed that at least 89 fraternity residents have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Four students who do not live in Greek Row but who had contact with residents also tested positive.
The Interfraternity Council, a student-led governing board for the school’s fraternities, said that at least 117 residents living in 15 fraternity houses have self-reported that they have the virus. The school said it is still trying to verify these cases.
Dr. Geoffrey Gottlieb, chairman of the university’s Communicable Diseases Advisory Committee, said in a statement that the number of cases is worrisome and “reminds us that outbreaks can spiral rapidly.”
“While we were pleased to see that most houses had taken steps to reduce resident capacity by as much as 50 percent this summer in response to COVID-19, those steps are not enough without daily and vigilant preventive measures, such as wearing face covers, physical distance and hand hygiene, “said Gottlieb.
On June 30, when the school first published about the outbreak, 38 fraternity residents had tested positive for COVID-19. By Thursday, that number had grown to 62 residents.
Michelle Ma, a spokeswoman for the university, said by email Friday that they are unaware of any specific incidents that may have caused the outbreak.
“There are no registered house parties at this time, but our reports suggest that the students had informal meetings,” he said.
Approximately 1,000 students live in the 25 fraternity houses located in a neighborhood north of campus. The houses are in quarantine and residents are asked to isolate themselves in their rooms, Ma said.
According to the press release, none of the students who tested positive were hospitalized and the University of Washington Medicine established a testing center on campus within walking distance of the homes.
“What is happening north of campus offers lessons for students as they consider their return to campus this fall,” said Gottlieb. “If everyone does their part to stay safe, we can continue to interact with each other and with our studies in the university environment by wearing face covers and staying physically distant.”
The King County Public Health Department said Thursday that more than half of new coronavirus cases occur among young adults ages 20 to 39.
“Stay safe this weekend: wear a mask. Wash your hands. Stay 6 feet away. Avoid large gatherings. Get tested if you feel sick,” the agency tweeted.
