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.