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March 28, 2024

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Letter: WSUV falls short on COVID policies

By Alysha Henderson, Vancouver
Published: August 15, 2021, 6:00am

Fall semester is soon to begin at WSU Vancouver. However, administration has been slow to release details about how they will limit COVID-19 outbreaks. As of Aug. 9, WSUV will not require proof of vaccination until Oct./Nov. – well into the fall semester. Professors cannot ask students about vaccination status and masking in classrooms (that are now at pre-COVID capacities) will be on the honor system.

The CDC recommended that universities where vaccination is not required prior to the start of the semester have everyone masked, and physical distancing measures in place. With WSU not planning to follow these guidelines, coupled with the insufficient policies proposed, I believe WSU will be primed for an outbreak when classes begin. Immunocompromised students should not have to choose between their education and their health or life.

While WSU has the discretion to ignore or follow these science-based recommendations, they will have effects within our community and our most vulnerable. With rising cases in Clark County, and surely to increase when classes begin, WSU needs to have vaccine clinics and testing facilities on all campuses, masking and distancing mandates for all, and online learning for the immunocompromised and those with children under 12. In short, WSU’s COVID policies should be proactive, not reactive.

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