COVID-19 Information

WU COVID-19 Dashboard

Cases reported include individuals who were present on one of Willamette’s campuses at some point during the week prior to becoming symptomatic and/or testing positive. Counts may be duplicated if an individual visited multiple campuses. Data is updated as cases occur. Data on vaccination status will be shared when aggregate data counts exceed ten cases.

Confirmed cases

Cases for: 11/28/21 – 12/4/21

[View dashboard archives]

Vaccination status

COVID-19 Policy for Willamette Campuses

• Vaccinations
  • More than 95% of all Willamette University students, faculty, and staff are fully vaccinated across all colleges, locations and programs. Willamette University’s campuses are considered “fully vaccinated” as defined by the CDC.
  • Willamette University faculty and staff were required to attest to their COVID vaccination to Human Resources through Workday by July 19, 2021. Willamette University students were required to attest to their COVID vaccination through Bishop Wellness Center’s confidential and secure student portal by July 22, 2021.
  • PNCA students should have filled out the COVID-19 Vaccine Documentation Form and uploaded a photo or scan of their CDC-issued vaccination card. Those who submitted a Non-Medical Non-Religious exemption request will be notified of the status of your request no later than July 30.
  • PNCA employees should have shared their vaccination status with Mark Taylor in HR.
• Student Expectations

  We are pleased to be able to return to in-person learning and teaching this fall in all Willamette schools, programs, campuses, and courses. It is important to understand that this is a change in practice from last year: Students who are not ill and who are not in quarantine as directed by a medical professional are expected to be present in the classroom. Specific questions about classes and programs or attendance should be directed to the Dean of the respective school.

• Masking
  • Effective Friday, August 27, masks will be required in most public outdoor settings — regardless of vaccination status — where physical distancing is not possible.
  • Due to a statewide mandate, effective August 13, 2021 masks are required indoors in all Willamette facilities regardless of vaccination status.
  • "Indoor spaces" means anywhere indoors, including but not limited to public and private workplaces, businesses, indoor areas open to the public, building lobbies, common or shared spaces, classrooms, elevators, bathrooms, transportation services and other indoor space where people may gather for any purpose. An indoor space does not include a private residence or a private automobile being used for personal use and that is not used for ride sharing.
  • Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear face coverings indoors except when alone in a room or in an area designated for eating. Students living in residence halls should work with their roommates to determine masking agreements for visitors within their rooms.
  • Masks are not required to be worn in individuals’ own private office, residence hall room, or university apartment, or when actively eating or drinking. If unmasked in a private room the door should be closed.
  • Roommates will need to negotiate mask agreements for visitors in private university residences. Barring such agreements between roommates, visitors to private university residences are required to wear masks
  • Masks may be required for specific activities by law, university policy, or non-COVID safety guidelines. Masks may at times also be required at events that, because of their size, mix of internal and external participants, or duration are judged to pose a higher risk of COVID transmission. All community members and visitors are required to follow posted masking rules for events. A separate process regarding mask exceptions for campus events will be forthcoming.
  • Recognizing the many reasons one might continue to wear a face covering, some of which are related to protected employment categories (e.g., religion, medical status), we remind all members of the community that it is not appropriate to ask co-workers or students about why they choose to wear a mask or about their vaccination status.
  • Mask means a CDC-recommended face mask. CDC recommends the following: surgical/medical procedure masks and other disposable masks and masks made with breathable fabric (such as cotton) with tightly woven fabric (that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source), masks with two or three layers, and masks with filter pockets. Masks can be flat, pleated, cone, dome, or duck bill in shape. A cloth mask may be worn over a disposable surgical or medical procedure mask (called double masking). The face mask must not have an exhalation valve or vent (because these valves allow respiratory droplets to escape). Scarves/ski masks or masks made from fabric that is loosely woven or knitted or have only one layer are not permitted. Face shields are not permitted when worn alone, but may be worn in addition to an approved face mask. Neck gaiters should be folded to make two layers.
• Room capacity and physical distancing
  • In general, and because we have fully-vaccinated campuses, Willamette anticipates returning to pre-COVID capacity in all rooms and facilities this fall, without physical distancing limits.
  • Visitation restrictions have been lifted for Salem residence halls, meaning that on-campus residents may visit each other in the halls.
  • The CDC has published close contact guidance for K-12 regarding classrooms that notes that the close contact definition does not apply in classrooms, “if both the infected student and the exposed student(s) correctly and consistently wore well-fitting masks the entire time.” Since there is no specific guidance for higher ed, we are assuming the spirit of that guidance likely covers higher ed, especially since we are a fully vaccinated campus. This exception does not apply to teachers, staff, or other adults in the indoor classroom setting. However, if someone in the classroom tests positive, faculty members, staff or other adults in the classroom are not automatically close contacts unless they meet the definition of a close contact (less than 6' of distance, for more than 15 minutes) and therefore won't automatically be told if a student in their class tests positive.
• Building Access
  • Salem campus: Most buildings will be closed to visitors and will have card swipe access only. The University Center, CAS Admission Office, University Services Building and the Hallie Ford Museum of Art will remain unlocked.
  • Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Center for Art and Design (511 Building): Visitor access is available to floors 1 and 2 (specified areas only) during posted days and times; check website for details. Visitors are not allowed on floors 3 - 6, or student-only facilities on floors 1 and 2.
  • Glass Building: Not open to visitors.
  • ArtHouse: Residents of ArtHouse may allow visitors in their private residences, in consultation with their roommates.
• Visitor and Spectator Policy (effective Dec. 1, 2021)

  Effective December 1, 2021 Willamette will begin accepting negative PCR tests or proof of vaccination for entrance to campus events. The negative PCR test must have been taken within 72 hours of attendance at the event. This new policy will apply to all indoor and outdoor athletic competitions; visitors to the Hallie Ford Museum; attendees at theatre performances and concerts; and attendees of other events held on campus or sponsored by Willamette faculty, staff, or students.

  The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (either nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT], including polymerase chain reaction [PCR], or antigen test). Antibody tests (also known as rapid tests) will not be accepted.

  The test result must be in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy). Children under age 12 do not need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test. Masking requirements remain unchanged at this time.

  • A visitor is defined as an individual who is not a Willamette or CST student, faculty member, staff member, volunteer, contractor or vendor approved to be present on campus at this time;
  • All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask while on campus. Exceptions to this requirement may be made for guest speakers or lecturers whose vaccination status has been affirmed by the university host.
  • As an additional precaution during this period of high community transmission of the Delta variant, our spectator policy for athletic competitions has been updated to require either a Willamette University ID card or proof of vaccination for entry to all football, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball games at least through September 30. We will also require proof of vaccination for visitors to enter Hallie Ford Museum, theatre performances, concerts and other events involving off-campus guests.
• Event Guidelines

  To prioritize the health and safety of our community as we return to a robust academic year, we are implementing policies around external guests and university hosted events. These policies apply to all university-sponsored and associated events, whether on or off campus, and do not apply to academic classes or activities; or NCAA athletic training, competition and camps which are separately addressed with guidance from the NCAA, the Northwest Conference, the university’s spectator policy and/or specific state and public health guidelines.

  We have also provided guidance below for events that may include external guests (individuals who are not students, faculty or staff). Events that involve external guests are limited to 25 attendees. If you want to request an exception to this limit, please follow the protocol outlined below. To ensure events seeking exception have had internal review and approval, the exception request form is only accessible to Vice Presidents and Deans.

  Limits and Requirements for gatherings that include participants other than Students, Faculty, and Staff:

  • Events and gatherings are subject to a 25 person limit for external guests. We know that the nature of some events might require an exception to this policy, which is why we have created a form and review process. To ensure necessary internal review and approval, the form is only accessible to Vice Presidents and Deans. (See additional guidelines around exception process below)
  • Outdoor Gatherings (does not include athletic events, which are subject to NCAA guidance): On-campus outdoor gatherings of two-hundred and fifty (250) or fewer individuals are allowed. Outdoor masking will be required.
  • Indoor Gatherings: Indoor gatherings are allowed up to normal room capacities. Room capacities may be found in EMS; please direct questions about room capacity to schedule@willamette.edu)
  • Gatherings must:
    • Prioritize attendance of Willamette students, faculty and staff over other potential attendees when applying capacity limitations;
    • Communicate to external participants that public attendance is only available to those who are fully vaccinated (Children under 12 are not able to be vaccinated yet so they may attend the event, but must wear a face covering. Children two years of age and under are not required to wear a face covering.);
    • Require an RSVP in advance to facilitate capacity limits and contact tracing; and have a system of documenting attendance by external guests, including:
      • Date and time of participation
      • Participant name
      • Participant contact information (phone and/or email)
    • Not involve high-aerosolization activities (such as singing, certain musical instruments, and rigorous activities), without advance consultation with Willamette’s COVID Advisory Team; and
    • Comply with University health and safety measures in effect at the time of the event, including mask requirements.
    • Limit food and beverage service as much as possible. Risk increases with individuals unmasking to partake in food and beverage at events; if services are necessary to the event consider individually boxed items or providing additional space at tables and in space for individuals to spread out while consuming.
  • Event sponsors must:
    • Ensure event vendors and contractors are aware of the requirements.
    • Designate one person who is responsible for the implementation of the plan, including training involved staff on the plan, and is readily available during the event to address concerns and answer questions regarding requirements.
    • Communicate the vaccination and mask requirements, and all other expectations to event attendees and event staff, volunteers, vendors, and contractors.
    • Communicate requirements for self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms and that event attendees must stay home if symptomatic or if instructed to isolate or quarantine by a public health professional.
  • Event sponsors should have alternative plans in the event that university and/or public health requirements change.

  Exception Form Process and Review:

  If an event will have less than 25 external guests (non Willamette student, faculty, or staff) in attendance, no exception form is required.

  When to apply for an exception:

  • More than 25 external guests are being invited or planned to attend the event.
  • External guests will be present and food and beverage will be served as part of the programming.

  Things to consider:

  • If an event is seeking an exception to the limit on external guests, coordinators should be able to provide good reason and accommodations for the number planned to attend.

  Once the form submission has been reviewed, we will provide you with a response to let you know whether your request was approved or denied. Based on the information provided, we may offer approvals with specific guidance on how to proceed.

• Work-Related Travel
  • Domestic travel: Willamette has lifted its COVID-related travel restrictions on domestic university-related travel. If you are traveling for university business, please be aware of any travel advisories or testing requirements for the areas to which you are traveling.
  • International travel: Given continued heightened concern from the CDC, international travel remains restricted unless you obtain an exception from the appropriate Dean or Vice President to be authorized to travel out of the country.
• COVID Testing

  Willamette will not require pre-arrival testing for students and, at present, does not plan to do surveillance testing of asymptomatic individuals. However, testing may be a required condition for participation in certain activities (such as intercollegiate athletics), or when otherwise recommended by public health officials.

  Bishop Wellness continues to follow the most current public health guidance and will offer COVID testing to:

  • Students with symptoms of COVID
  • Students who are identified as a close contact of someone with confirmed COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status

  Consistent with public health guidance, Bishop Wellness Center is not offering tests (i.e., pre-arrival or surveillance testing) to asymptomatic students who are not identified as close contacts, unless required by other governing bodies (i.e., intercollegiate athletics). There are a number of locations close to our campuses where asymptomatic students may seek testing, although some sites may decline testing if asymptomatic. Insurance coverage for these tests varies, so please check with your insurance carrier to understand any costs that may be incurred. More information about community testing options can be found here.

  After Hours & Weekend Testing Locations (Salem)

  Walgreens on Fairgrounds Rd: Take 12^th Street north to Capitol, turn right, drive about two miles. Located on the right side on Fairgrounds Road. Phone: 503-428-5107

  • Drive-thru testing only: Must have a car - no walk ups (free). Must make an appointment online. Same-day appointments may not be available.

  Rite Aid on Lancaster: Take Center Street toward Lancaster, about three miles, turn right on Lancaster. Located on the right side. Phone: 503-585-7616

  • Drive-thru testing only: Okay to walk up to the drive-thru window — no car needed (free). Must make an appointment online. Same-day appointments may not be available.

  Salem Clinic on Capitol Street: Take 12^th Street north to Capitol, turn right, drive about two miles. Located on the right side before Fairgrounds Road. Phone: 503-399-2424

  • Symptomatic: Drive-thru testing only (technically an urgent care visit, not free)
  • Asymptomatic: Can walk into the clinic (technically an urgent care visit, not free)

  For additional testing locations, check OHA's Testing Site Finder.

• Guidance for those who test positive for COVID or are close contacts
  • Students, staff, or faculty members testing positive for COVID are still required to report their positive case to the university. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 report form. Students should use the online Student COVID-19 CARE report form.
  • In addition, regardless of vaccination status, those testing positive for COVID are required to isolate themselves from others for at least 10 days post symptom onset. Those who never develop symptoms should isolate for 10 days after the date of their positive test.
  • The current CDC guidance for fully vaccinated people with no COVID symptoms states that people should be tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. They should isolate if they test positive. Most fully vaccinated people with no COVID-like symptoms do not need to quarantine or be restricted from work following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, if they follow the testing recommendation above.
  • Unvaccinated persons who are a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID must get tested and should quarantine as directed.
  • Specific Guidelines for Caregivers of a Household member with COVID – If you are a caregiver for someone ill at home with COVID, the current guidance suggests the caregiver should quarantine and test 3-5 days after exposure, even if vaccinated and even without symptoms.
  • Willamette will continue to offer isolation and quarantine spaces and meal support as needed for students who test positive and are required to isolate.
• Communication of Confirmed Cases
  • Confirmed positive cases of COVID involving faculty, staff, or students will be tracked on the university's COVID information webpage. The university will notify any close contacts of their potential exposure and will assist those close contacts accordingly.