Mask Mandate UPDATE
Posted: 2022-03-02 14:40:18 Expiration: 2022-03-18 22:00:00
The omicron surge seems to be subsiding and UW–Madison, like a growing number of communities and academic institutions across the country, has announced the campus mask mandate will expire after March 11.
On Feb. 14, Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) announced that Dane County’s indoor masking requirement will not be extended after its March 1 expiration. Thanks to the continued decline in COVID-19 cases on and off campus, UW–Madison will also phase out its campus indoor masking requirement.
The current campus order for masking will be extended through March 11. Effective March 12, masks will no longer be required in indoor settings. Masks will continue to be required for Madison Metro bus riders, by federal order. Clinical and health care, child care and food preparation settings may continue to require masks.
Masks will continue to be required for Madison Metro bus riders, by federal order. Clinical and health care, child care and food preparation settings may continue to require masks.
A growing number of communities and academic institutions are lifting masking requirements as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decline and as vaccinations and booster doses continue to guard against serious illness. While this does not mean the pandemic is over, it is a sign that we can have confidence in the protection we receive from COVID-19 vaccination.
The research strongly suggests that individuals who are vaccinated, boosted, and wearing a high-quality mask have a high degree of protection, regardless of what other individuals around them may choose. That means we’re at a point where responsible behavior is up to the individual to decide.
Campus leadership recognizes that individuals will have different reactions to mask requirements ending and that for some it may feel stressful. They encourage those who want to continue to wear masks to do so and we will continue to make high-quality masks available to our campus community free of charge. Please respect everyone’s individual choices about masking.
It remains important to monitor yourself daily for COVID-19 symptoms. If you develop symptoms, stay home and get tested. At-home antigen tests remain available for pickup at no cost on campus and PCR tests are available by appointment in MyUHS.
-- Mead Witter School of Music: Anne Brutosky