JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Masks will no longer be required in most indoor spaces at the University of Wyoming effective Monday, Feb. 21, following a vote Wednesday by the UW Board of Trustees.
While supporting those who choose to wear masks anywhere on campus, the board voted to require masks only in campus offices when requested by the office occupant; for employees in UW’s Early Care and Education Center; and in medically related units. Masks also will continue to be required on UW Transit Service buses, in accordance with federal rules.
“We continue to recommend masks as a way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community but, by action of the board, we are moving to a new phase in the pandemic that will not include a mask requirement in most indoor spaces, including classrooms,” UW President Ed Seidel says. “Those who choose to continue wearing masks have the board’s and the university’s full support.”
The board’s decision today followed its December vote to extend UW’s requirement for masks in most buildings where 6-foot social distancing isn’t possible until the Feb. 16 meeting. Masks have not been required this academic year at voluntary public events such as athletics and music, theater and dance performances; voluntary social events; private, by-invitation events that involve rental and/or use of UW spaces on campus; and for patrons of Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center when participating in recreational activities, sports or fitness.
As of Monday, there were 14 active cases of COVID-19 among the UW community—six students on campus, three students off campus and five employees. The prevalence rate in UW’s testing program—which continues with random-sample testing of 3 percent of on-campus employees and students each week—was 5.1 percent. As of last week, Albany County remained in the Wyoming Department of Health’s “high” transmission level category.
“The COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are recommended, even for those who have had COVID-19, as people who have not been vaccinated are up to two times more likely to get COVID-19 again as those who have been vaccinated,” says student health service director Mary Beth Bender. “While COVID-19 infection does provide some natural immunity, the level of protection from prior infection is lower than the protection from COVID-19 vaccinations.”
