Update on University Mask Policy
Beginning Monday, June 6, masks will be required in most indoor spaces on our campus when there are two or more people present for a sustained period of time.
This change adjusts the university’s current guidance to require masks in all classrooms, instructional spaces, labs, studios, concert and lecture venues, libraries, Student Health Services, offices, and conference rooms. This will be in effect through at least early July.
What Changed
Our approach to campus health and safety policies (shared on May 19) identifies when and how we target adjustments based on public health guidance and the conditions on campus and in New York City. There will be times, like now, when we require masks to be worn in specific places to mitigate transmission.
Transmission rates in our area have remained high for several weeks. Our public health advisor has also indicated the likelihood of higher actual rates due to unreported at-home tests, lower overall testing rates than earlier in the year, and the growing risk of variants like BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 in New York City over the next month. That risk comes at the same time as more travel and gatherings during summer holidays and the start of the summer term on campus. With this information, we are choosing to require masks in most indoor spaces where our community gathers for prolonged periods of time to provide an additional layer of protection during this time.
What’s Next
Based on public health guidance, this mask requirement will be in effect through at least early July. When campus conditions allow and public health guidance indicates it is appropriate to do so, we intend to resume a “mask encouraged and optional” policy in indoor settings on campus.
University policies for Fall 2022 are not affected by the current adjustment and will begin with a brief entry period of required masks and testing starting in mid-August, as previously announced. More information about Fall 2022 will be communicated in July.
Previously Announced Policies Remain in Effect
- If you are feeling sick or symptomatic, please stay home and test.
- Masks are strongly encouraged and optional in select indoor spaces: residence halls, dining areas, lobbies, hallways, elevators, and other transition areas.
- Voluntary Maskless Practice at the College of Performing Arts is still in effect. Those eligible can still choose to remove their masks by testing regularly, in coordination with their program director.
- Catering is permitted on campus and masks are allowed to be briefly removed while eating and drinking. Attendance cannot be required at catered events and must be clearly announced in advance.
- Testing for entry periods is still in effect. Those participating in multi-week courses or programs must test twice.
- Up to 4 days before moving in or starting class (whichever is earlier); and,
- Within the first week of being on campus.
- We encourage everyone to test regularly. Testing remains voluntary for building access for those who are up-to-date and required for those not up-to-date or unvaccinated with an approved exemption. On-campus tests are free and accessible for all active students, faculty, and staff.
- Guests and visitors continue to be welcome on campus.