Masks - Truman State University

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES AND RESOURCES

Campus Mask Policy

Current Mask Policy: Masks are optional

As of February 25, 2022, the CDC released new mask guidance based upon COVID-19 Community Levels. Under this new guidance, the Adair County COVID-19 Community Level is classified as “low.” For counties with low community levels, there is no recommendation to wear a mask unless a person has symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19.

Latest Message About Mask Policy

Feb. 25, 2022

Mask Policy Update

As of February 25, the CDC released new mask guidance based upon COVID-19 Community Levels. Under this new guidance, the Adair County COVID-19 Community Level is classified as “low.” For counties with low community levels, there is no recommendation to wear a mask unless a person has symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Effective at 5:00 p.m., February 25, masks will no longer be required on campus.

Those who prefer to wear masks should continue to do so. Individuals may require others to wear masks in their personal office or workspace but must provide masks if needed.

The University will continue its current contact tracing program and will adhere to CDC guidelines regarding quarantine and isolation procedures.

Decisions regarding the mask policy are made by the President in consultation with the Executive Leadership Team. Factors taken into consideration include, but are not limited to: the number of active cases related to the University; the transmission rate in Adair County; the campus vaccination rate; Truman’s capacity to effectively accommodate students in isolation and quarantine; guidance of the CDC and the local health department; and the advice of Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and Student Government.

As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, the University will maintain a flexible approach to COVID-19 prevention and make decisions based on all relevant information available.

Previous Messages About Mask Policy

Jan. 28. 2022

Mask Policy Extended

In light of the significant increases in COVID cases in Adair County, as well as among students and employees, Truman State University will continue its mask policy, with the next review date on or before Feb. 25.

This month has seen the highest number of known cases in the county since the start of the pandemic. Based on the CDC COVID Data Tracker, community transmission in Adair County is listed as “high,” the most extreme category. The CDC recommends everyone should wear a mask in public indoor settings when transmission is high.

Decisions regarding the mask policy are made by the president in consultation with the executive leadership team. Factors taken into consideration include, but are not limited to: the number of active cases related to the University; the transmission rate in Adair County; the campus vaccination rate; Truman’s capacity to effectively accommodate students in isolation and quarantine; guidance of the CDC and the local health department; and the advice of Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Student Government.

As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, the University will maintain a flexible approach in regard to COVID-19 and make decisions based on all relevant information available.

Dec. 6, 2021

Mask Policy to be Reviewed Jan. 28

Truman will continue the indoor mask policy into the beginning of the spring 2022 semester, with the next review of the policy occurring on or before Jan. 28.

With a large portion of the campus community traveling during winter break, setting the review date three class weeks into the semester will allow for time to properly assess the rate of students and employees exposed to the virus.

Nov. 5, 2021

Mask Policy Extended Through the End of the Semester

Truman State University will extend its current campus mask policy until the end of the semester.

This decision was reached after careful consideration of a variety of factors, including campus vaccination rates and recommendations from the CDC. Constituent groups, including Student Government, Staff Council, and Faculty Senate, were also consulted.

Data from the recent vaccine incentive program indicates the known fully vaccinated rate is 57% for all students, 63% for residence hall students, and 72% for employees. While those numbers exceed the general county rate, they are not high enough on their own to mitigate exposure to and spread of the virus. The mask policy, in conjunction with the campus vaccination rate, has helped to keep Truman-related cases to a minimum.

Based on the CDC COVID Data Tracker, community transmission in Adair County is still listed as “substantial” and masks are recommended for everyone in public, indoor settings.

As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, the University will maintain a flexible approach in regard to COVID-19 and make decisions based on all relevant information available. The mask policy will be reviewed again for the start of the Spring 2022 semester.

Sept. 17, 2021

Truman Continues Current Mask Policy; Will Review Policy on Nov. 5, 2021

After considering a variety of factors, including recent campus surveys, the number of active cases in Adair County, the advice of public health professionals and CDC guidance, Truman will continue the current mask policy and will review and reevaluate the policy by November 5.

Masks are required inside all campus buildings, regardless of an individual’s vaccination status. The only exceptions are for dining and when in a personal residence hall room or office.

Extension of the mask policy is done in consideration of the community as a whole. Cases in Adair County continue to be substantial and are predicted to remain so over the next four weeks. As such, based on information from the CDC, the community transmission risk remains “high.” Everyone in the county is advised to wear a mask in public, indoor settings, according to the CDC and the Adair County Health Department.

Related Resources

COVID-19 Homepage