COVID-19 Weekly Update graphic. Aubrie Rice // Publicity Center
Updated as of: April 3, 2020 at 10:15 a.m.
By Stella Harvey
In response to the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee extended the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation to May 4. The proclamation temporarily closes all non-essential businesses and requires state residents to stay in their homes barring essential activities.
The proclamation is a part of a larger social distancing effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and relieve the strain on the healthcare system. Last week, Governor Inslee gave an initial address about the proclamation, announcing guidelines to state officials on how to enforce the proclamation. The Governor released an online form to report businesses who may be in violation of the restrictions. The proclamation, which was originally set to end on April 6, restricts all social, spiritual and recreational gatherings and calls for the immediate closure of all non-essential businesses.
On March 26, Western announced that spring tuition and fees would not be adjusted to reflect the lost week or all classes being moved online. In response to the campus advisory from Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Brent Carbajal and Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services Melynda Huskey, students created a petition urging the administration to partially refund spring quarter tuition and reevaluate student fees.
In a campus advisory on April 1, Huskey introduced a new website designed to guide students and faculty through the challenges of remote-courses during spring quarter. The website includes information and resources for students, faculty and staff.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Western has implemented a campus-wide pass/no pass grading system for spring quarter to accommodate the likely disruptions students and faculty will face, according to the spring quarter guide website. Grades of D+ or higher will receive a P, or passing grade. Grades of D-, D or F will receive an NP, or not passing, and will not receive credit. Either grade will not impact a student’s grade point averages, according to the university website. Undergraduate students who would like to receive a traditional letter grade can contact their professors individually before June 5.
According to Western’s new spring quarter website, the Western Foundation had created an emergency fund for students facing housing and food insecurity. To qualify to receive funds, students should be enrolled in classes currently and have taken courses during winter quarter. Students are encouraged to apply using the online form.
According to the Whatcom County Health Department, as of April 3 at 10:15 a.m. there are 175 confirmed cases and nine deaths related to COVID-19 in Whatcom County. As of April 3, there are 6,585 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 262 deaths related to the virus in Washington State, according to the Washington State Health Department.
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus pandemic that was first located in Wuhan, China. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is spread through person-to-person contact. Older people, pregnant women and those with serious chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of developing further complications if they come in contact with the virus, according to the CDC. The mortality rate of COVID-19 remains unclear in the rapidly changing course of events, and there are currently no treatments available.