Our Face Covering Requirement
Bengals,

I apologize for sending an email late on a Friday, but we received new information a short time ago from the CDC regarding indoor face coverings. A significant decrease in COVID-19 cases, readily available vaccinations and boosters, and updated guidance from the CDC allows us to modify our on-campus COVID-19 response. To ensure you and your faculty have the time needed to make preparations, we will not immediately implement today’s announcement from the CDC.
Effective Wednesday, March 2, face coverings will be optional at University campus locations and outreach centers in counties that have a COVID-19 Community Level of Low or Medium.

Currently, Bannock County and Bonneville County have medium or low levels, so starting next Wednesday, masks will no longer be required in classrooms, labs, event spaces, or other indoor areas on the Pocatello and Idaho Falls campuses. However, until the situation improves in Twin Falls County and Ada County, face coverings will continue to be required indoors on those campuses.
This decision by the University was made after consulting with local public health experts and reviewing today’s updated guidance from the CDC. I encourage everyone to regularly check the CDC’s website for updates about their specific county. Please keep in mind that the metrics could change in the future, and we all need to be prepared to adjust our campus-specific operations if a county moves into Level High.

As needed, you are invited to request accommodations and work with your faculty to discuss distance-based arrangements. To the best of their ability, your faculty will provide any students who may not be comfortable attending class in person an opportunity to participate through virtual formats. Flexibility across the entire University will continue to be our approach as we navigate this virus.

Every member of our campus community should thoughtfully and carefully consider their own health needs and, if they choose, feel comfortable wearing a mask. There are some in our campus community who will continue to wear a face covering, and everyone should feel supported as they make personal decisions about their own health and well-being. Individuals with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

For two years, we have, together, navigated this pandemic. It has brought operational uncertainty, unforeseen challenges, and tested our ability to deliver our mission of education. However, even during some of the most challenging days and weeks, you showed up because you believe in the value of an education. I am so very proud of how our Bengal community came together and showed that this was our finest hour. Please continue to follow public health guidance, support your fellow students, and work hard to keep yourself and others in our community healthy.

––Kevin

Kevin Satterlee
President
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