UNC to go Mask Optional Beginning March 7, 2022
In recent weeks, our county, state and country have seen a significant decline in COVID-19 transmission. In Weld County, the one-week cumulative case incidence per 100,000 residents was 91.8 as of Friday – down from a peak of 1,491.1 on Jan. 19.
As you may have seen, the CDC released new guidelines on Friday, indicating that over 70% of the U.S. population is in a county where COVID-19 is posing a low or medium threat to hospitals. In those counties, the CDC states there is not a need for healthy individuals to wear masks in indoor settings. According to the new guidelines, Weld County currently has a medium COVID-19 community level, meaning that mask wearing in indoor settings is no longer needed for healthy individuals. The CDC recommends that you consult with your doctor about wearing a mask if you are at increased risk for COVID-19.
Following the CDC’s updated guidance, and in recognition of extremely low COVID-19 transmission within UNC’s community in the last two weeks (there is currently one positive case on campus), UNC will make face coverings optional, beginning Monday, March 7. The decision with one week’s notice gives students, faculty and staff time to prepare for any adjustments that may be made in your respected areas.
We ask that everyone remembers there are some members of our university community who may have health issues and/or are immunocompromised and are at higher risk of becoming very sick with COVID-19, or are living with someone who is at higher risk. Please respect all individuals who continue to wear masks. This change in policy does not alter our responsibility to act with courtesy and kindness.
As we have throughout the pandemic, the university will continue to closely monitor guidance from federal, state and local public health officials. The CDC’s new guidance determines COVID-19 community level based on new COVID-19 hospitalizations, the share of staffed hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients and the rate of new cases in the community.
University leadership is very appreciative of students, faculty and staff’s compliance to COVID protocols during the pandemic and urges everyone to remain vigilant and make wise decisions when you’re not feeling well – including staying home and getting tested if you are experiencing COVID symptoms.
The COVID-19 testing site on campus will continue to remain open for the foreseeable future, open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for all community members. For anyone who has not yet been vaccinated or received a booster shot, you can receive your shot at the state’s mobile vaccination clinic, which will be on campus today and tomorrow and several dates through the end of March. Please visit the university’s COVID-19 webpage for additional information.