As of Feb. 18, 2022, face coverings are encouraged but no longer required in all indoor spaces on the campus of ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½.
βThis University masking policy change reflects several indicators reviewed by the COVID-19 Response Team every week,β said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ Westernβs president, in an email to campus. βWeβve seen both the positivity rates and the number of positive cases decline on campus and for Buchanan county. Additionally, weβve seen the same decreasing trend in the local hospitalization rates.β
Masks are recommended for those who are unvaccinated and/or have underlying health concerns.
The COVID-19 Response Team will continue to meet weekly to review data and adjust mitigation strategies, including the campus face covering policy, as warranted. The team reviews campus and community vaccination rates, positivity rates, and local hospitalization rates, among other data points, and is continually guided by the best available science-based evidence and expert recommendations in order to make informed decisions about campus activities.