Masks and face coverings will be optional in most indoor places at the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus as the fall semester begins, but Hampshire County’s four private colleges will require them inside their buildings, at least through part of September.
“Masks are welcome on campus and masking is strongly encouraged during the first few weeks of the fall semester, particularly in crowded settings, or for individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19,” UMass Public Health Director Ann Becker and Environmental Health and Safety Executive Director Jeffrey Hescock, who co-direct the UMass Public Health Promotion Center, wrote in a letter to the campus community.
Smith College’s policy will be similar to Amherst College’s, where a requirement for masks to be worn in all indoor locations resumed last week. That will remain in effect through Sept. 12, with exceptions to this rule being inside residence halls and when an individual is alone in a private office with the door closed.
“We fully anticipate moving to a more relaxed masking protocol once we are past the first few weeks of the semester,” wrote Catherine Epstein, provost and dean of the faculty, Liz Agosto, chief student affairs officer and dean of students, and Kate Harrington, chief human resources officer, in a joint statement. “That decision will be made based on the prevalence of the virus on campus at that time and communicated prior to Sept. 12.”
At Mount Holyoke College, Beverly Daniel Tatum, interim president, sent a letter to the community about its rules.
“Masks will be required inside all campus buildings from Aug. 21 through Sept. 16 while the campus quickly densifies. Students need not wear a mask in their residence hall room,” Tatum wrote.
Source: The Recorder – Indoor masking optional at UMass, required at other colleges as semester begins
You must be logged in to post a comment.