Weekly COVID-19 Update: March 4
Team,

This week our on-campus indoor mask requirement was lifted in select counties to align with updated CDC guidance. A significant decrease in COVID-19 cases, readily available vaccinations and boosters, and new information from the CDC supported this change in how our University would respond to the virus. Today, in addition to Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Anchorage, Alaska, I am pleased to see that the situation has also improved in Ada County, and our indoor mask requirement has been lifted for the Meridian campus. 

This change in our response to COVID-19 is welcome news. When I think back to March 2020, I recall our collective fear of the new, unknown virus. The situation today is vastly different from what we faced two years ago, and we now understand COVID-19 better. Our University is moving forward with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. As I said last week, there are some in the campus community who will choose to continue wearing a mask. Everyone should feel supported as they make personal decisions about masks for their own health and well-being. 

In light of this week’s move to make masks optional, it is important to note that the University is not abandoning our disease mitigation principles and practices. Idaho State will continue to operate our COVID-19 screening program and conduct contact tracing. Faculty, staff, and students should fill out the Self-Report Form if they have tested positive or are symptomatic, and the previously implemented Isolation and Quarantine Guidance will remain in place.
Face coverings will be optional at our campus locations and outreach centers in counties that have a COVID-19 Community Level of Low or Medium.

Currently, the CDC’s metrics indicate the following:
Pocatello
Bannock County
Community Level: Low
Masks optional

Idaho Falls
Bonneville County
Community Level: Low
Masks optional

Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage Borough
Community Level: Medium
Masks optional
Meridian
Ada County
Community Level: Medium
Masks optional

Twin Falls
Twin Falls County
Community Level: High
Wear a mask indoors
Operational Updates and Reminders
  • The University will now use the CDC’s updated COVID-19 Community Levels to determine our on-campus operations and guidelines. Idaho State will adjust campus-specific operational levels based on the county’s current situation. Some campus locations may operate under a different operational level than others. Our operational levels will be influenced heavily by the CDC data. 


  • Even in locations where the CDC’s Community Level is Low or Medium, face coverings may still be required in our on-campus clinics and healthcare facilities.

  • The University has a large supply of KN95 masks available for faculty, staff, and students. KN95 masks are more effective than cloth or disposable face coverings and provide enhanced protection for the wearer. 

  • Vaccinations and boosters are still available at Bengal Pharmacy, the on-campus screening site in the Vocational Arts Building, and a number of pharmacies in the community. Visit our vaccine website for more information.

  • If a faculty member feels that they need to shift pedagogies or modality of their classroom, they should work with their department chair and dean. Faculty also need to support students who may need accommodations for health reasons.
Being a part of our Bengal community means taking essential steps to care for one another. Every student, faculty, and staff member has a responsibility to practice healthy behaviors, stay home if you are ill, and follow our established safety guidelines. Together, we can protect ourselves and our communities while focusing on Idaho State’s educational mission.

––Kevin

Kevin Satterlee
President
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