Coronavirus: Outbreak tied to UW Greek community growing

SEATTLE — The COVID-19 outbreak that is tied to the University of Washington Greek community continues to grow, spreading off campus health experts say.

In the last 24 hours, experts identified 15 new cases and seven of those cases were reported to the university by Public Health – Seattle & King County. It comes after health experts connected the cases to the Greek community.

UW President Ana Marie Cauce addressed the outbreak earlier this week, saying most of the community was taking the outbreak seriously, but for those who were not, a warning was issued.

“If they don’t get it, and they continue to break the rules, party, that there will be harsher disciplinary actions,” Cauce said.

Currently, all Greek houses are under a strict social moratorium. No chapters are permitted to hold social events.

According to the Seattle Times, two houses are currently facing discipline for violating those rules. However, in some cases, the party continues.

Video sent to KIRO 7 shows students filing into a chapter live-out Thursday night.

Greek-system housing has been reduced to half the capacity to help prevent outbreaks, with fraternities and sororities housing about 2,000 students.

Cox Media Group