UAS Information Release: COVID update

Information update on COVID cases

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: November 13, 2020

On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, the University of Alaska Southeast partnered with the City and Borough of Juneau to test resident students living in John Pugh Hall, our first year student residence hall. This decision was made after two students tested positive for COVID-19. Those students were isolated per university protocols. UAS conducted contact assessments and identified limited close contacts confined to the John Pugh Hall community who were immediately quarantined.  Ultimately UAS decided in conjunction with CBJ to test all residents in the communal living facility out of an abundance of caution.

UAS has robust COVID-19 response protocols in place, including but not limited to campus and housing-specific policies on face coverings, social distancing, facility cleaning protocols, contact assessment, and reporting and response. UAS also reduced housing capacity in advance of the Fall 2020 semester to reduce impact. 

John Pugh Hall residents were informed on Tuesday evening, November 10, 2020 regarding the positive test for COVID-19 in their environment, and were informed of mandatory testing late morning on Wednesday, and testing was completed by mid afternoon on Wednesday.

CBJ confirmed Friday morning that only six residents had tested positive for COVID-19. Those residents have been isolated and are receiving support from the University.