UW President Shelters in Place

Out of an abundance of caution, University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has chosen to shelter in place for two weeks after he attended a small gathering in which one of the participants later tested positive for COVID-19.

While COVID-19 guidelines were observed during the gathering last week, including a minimum of 6-foot distance between seats and the wearing of face protection except while eating, the president has elected to shelter in place so as to decrease the likelihood of transmitting the virus in the event he was infected. The president has taken a COVID-19 test and received a negative result since the exposure last week, and will take another one this week.

“I have worked to follow the guidelines and requirements for face protection and physical distancing while becoming acquainted with the UW community and our state during my first months as president,” Seidel says. “I take seriously my own responsibility to model the conscientious behavior that I have asked our students, faculty and staff to follow. While my contact with the individual who unfortunately tested positive did not meet the standard for me to be officially quarantined by the Department of Health, I’m going to work from home during the 14 days following the known exposure because I feel strongly that it is my responsibility to lead through example. As COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly around the nation and in Wyoming, it is important that we take every precaution to limit the spread of the virus.”

The president, like all other UW employees on campus who aren’t able to maintain physical distancing, has been tested weekly for COVID-19, with no positive results.

Seidel became UW’s 28th president July 1. Under his leadership, the university has deployed one of the most rigorous testing, tracing and quarantine/isolation programs in the country to provide the safest possible on-campus experience for UW students and employees during the fall semester.