Walker relaxes indoor mask requirement
On Friday, Oct. 1, President Mark Walker announced the COVID-19 cases in the student body remained low, and the indoor mask requirement, which had been in effect since Aug. 11, would expire at 5 p.m. that day.
Though the mask requirement expired, ensembles and athletic teams will continue to follow testing protocols, and the Pangle Hall chapel venue will remain open for those who prefer a socially distanced chapel option.
“Now, there are certain areas where specific protocols need to be maintained. For instance, ensemble travel and athletic teams will continue to follow the testing protocols that we have in place now, and for those who feel more comfortable in the Pangle Hall chapel venue, we’re going to continue to hold masked socially distanced chapel services there as well,” said Walker. “But otherwise, effective at 5 p.m. today, in our campus buildings, masks are optional — they are not required.”
Walker announced the change in protocol following a steady decrease in active COVID-19 cases on campus.
“We have this week’s COVID numbers, and they have stayed very low again this week; we have only eight active cases in our student body as of yesterday and only 27 in quarantine,” said Walker.
Walker warned that a surge in COVID-19 cases on campus would mean stricter COVID-19 protocols.
“Now, if we’re to get hit with another surge, we will take the proper steps obviously to keep people safe here. So I want to stress to you that the best way to guard against that is by increasing the immunity level of our campus. So let’s continue to stay healthy, to remain cautious and to be informed,” said Walker.
Walker encouraged students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not done so yet.
“If it’s medically feasible for you to get vaccinated and you have not yet, we encourage you to do so. It’s not required, but we do encourage you to do so,” said Walker.
For current university COVID-19 guidelines, click here.
