Dear ESF Community:

Despite New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement yesterday to lift the indoor mask mandate in public settings and venues, ESF’s mask mandate remains in place and our current COVID level is still RED, requiring masks at all times indoors and when in the presence of others outdoors.

Trends are moving in a positive direction as the pandemic evolves to an endemic, and ESF will continue to closely monitor COVID data at all of our locations and in the regions that host our campuses, working in conjunction with SUNY, Syracuse University, and local health officials.

Interim SUNY Chancellor Deborah Stanley convened a meeting today of all SUNY campus presidents. As a result of that meeting, SUNY is requiring that masks continue to be worn indoors. SUNY is also working with campuses to develop a set of suggested metrics we will be able to use to guide potential future changes to the mask mandate.

We will continue to update you on any new developments, particularly as it relates to any forthcoming decision to adjust our masking framework level.

Thank you for your continued attention to our public health guidelines. The positive trends we are experiencing are a testament to your commitment to the health and well-being of ESF and our neighboring communities.

SUNY ESF COVID-19 Response Team