Washington State University will soon no longer require students, employees and other campus visitors to wear masks inside the majority of buildings.
The switch to make face coverings optional, which begins March 12, follows updated safety protocols from the state of Washington. According to WSU Insider, the new policy applies to classrooms, residence halls, recreation centers and dining halls. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced last week that masks will continue to be required inside medical facilities, which would include Cougar Health Services and the counseling centers on WSU’s Pullman campus. Face coverings will also still be required on public transit per federal law. Effective March 1, the university is no longer mandating proof of vaccination for visitors attending campus events. The same restriction was lifted at the state level.
The easing of preventative measures against COVID-19 comes as hospitalizations decrease and local cases dip into the single digits. Improved access to face masks, vaccinations and tests reportedly played a role in the decision. WSU President Kirk Schulz advises students, faculty and staff to continue self-screening for illness before visiting a WSU campus and to stay home if sick. (Lewiston Tribune)
