TO: University of Idaho Students and Employees
FROM: Scott Green, President
Torrey Lawrence, Provost and Executive Vice President
DATE: Feb. 28, 2022
SUBJECT: Masks Optional Tomorrow, May Be Required in Classrooms
A dramatic decline in COVID-19 cases across the state, as well as easy access to vaccinations and KN95 masks, allows us to move to a personal approach to COVID-19 protocols. Beginning tomorrow, March 1, masks are optional in Moscow and Coeur d’Alene. Masks are no longer required in labs, meeting rooms, hallways or other areas of the university. To facilitate this transition, instructors may still require masking in their classrooms until directed otherwise. Other areas of the state should continue to follow local guidance.
This decision aligns with new CDC guidance issued last Friday. Both Gritman Medical Center and Idaho Public Health also support the move to personal protection choice. But, if positive cases dramatically increase or if a new variant threatens our local hospital capacity, we will move swiftly to reinstate a mask requirement.
Faculty, communicate your expectations immediately regarding expectations for mask usage in your classes. Established protocols should be followed if masks remain required and there are concerns about compliance. Students, continue to carry a mask and abide by the classroom requirements.
You should thoughtfully consider your own healthcare needs and wear a mask where you deem appropriate. Be kind and considerate to your fellow Vandals about their decisions to wear or not wear masks. Stay home if you feel ill. Free at-home tests are available each weekday from noon-2 p.m. at the east entrance of the Student Recreation Center. Vandal ID required.
Taking control of your own safety is the next step in moving from pandemic to endemic:
The vaccine incentives program remains in place through Friday, March 11, for students who submit proof of vaccination. Weekly drawings continue with our most recent winner being Bailey Georgia, a first-year student from Eagle, Idaho, studying sociology and criminology. She won a $1,000 tuition credit.
It has been a long and winding road to arrive at a place where we can relax our mask mandate. We are very proud of how you have responded over the course of the pandemic. We have not always agreed on the path, but we stuck to it and supported each other. We hope we are finally reaching the end of the pandemic and recognize there will still be those in our community who remain at higher risk than the general population. Please continue to be respectful and keep your health and the health of those around you in the forefront of your decisions.
Keep Calm and Vandal On!
Scott Green
President
president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president
Torrey Lawrence
Provost and Executive Vice President
provost@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/provost
