May 7, 2021
By Devin Rokyta, College of Veterinary Medicine
The absence of clients in the lobby, faces hidden behind masks and all-too-familiar social distancing signs at Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital are lingering reminders of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A year ago, the virus was rapidly spreading, and University and veterinary hospital officials were grappling with how to safely provide their patients care and emergency services not available elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Today, even though many restrictions remain in place, the number of patients being seen at the veterinary hospital exceeds pre-pandemic levels. Like the University, it is inching closer to a full reopening, and health officials say it is one of many WSU success stories during the pandemic.