Dear campus community,
We have come together as a community at each important milestone in the pandemic as a whole.
Now you are ready to move again. This time around, we’re making a major change to the mandatory mask policy implemented indoors on campus this year. Beginning March 9, the UK will make the following adjustments to the Mask Policy:
Optional mask
Adopt an optional mask wearing policy in common areas throughout the campus, such as the Gutton Student Center. A common area or corridor in the classroom building. Dining room; library; training facility; and dormitory.
Masks are also an option for voluntary events such as campus raccus, concerts, plays and athletics stadiums.
For performing arts classes (music, dance, drama), masks are optional in performance situations (lessons, labs, performances, etc.). However, you must wear a mask when not playing in class.
Mandatory mask
Masks remain mandatory in the classroom during class. Provide a mask to the classroom.
Masks remain mandatory in multi-person private offices / suites and conferences / meeting rooms.
Masks should continue to be worn in laboratories and classroom laboratories.
Medical facilities and settings are exempt from these changes. The current masking policy will continue to be applied in the UKHealthCare settings according to the UKHC policy.
Other considerations
Recognizing the variability of mask policies across states, Cooperative Extension employees must follow mask policies that are consistent with county government policies. For 4-H programs and adolescents under the age of 12, follow the guidelines of the local public school system.
If the virus continues to be positive, we hope to extend the mask options policy to the entire campus (excluding medical facilities and settings) following the May graduation ceremony.
To reflect this policy change, we will move as quickly as possible to update COVID-related websites and billboards throughout the campus.
We are following the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and proceeding with this move after consulting with the START team. Student, faculty and staff leaders. Health professionals; Dean; and managers balance options while ensuring campus safety and prioritization.
The CDC guidance indicates that masks should be an option as the incidence decreases with increasing hospitalization rates and the number of beds in the medical facility.
Virus incidence in Fayette County (and most of the Commonwealth) has plummeted in recent weeks. The number of COVID patients in UK healthcare facilities has also declined for several days. The Urban County Council office announced a similar move last week.
As with all the other steps we have taken to address this challenge, we have deep consultation, strong feedback, and thoughtful consideration of what science and health authorities are saying to us. I will do so later.
I’m happy to be able to do this at this point. This shows hope that we are starting a new phase of a long battle with this virus. We are transitioning from a pandemic to endemic disease. It’s a serious problem that is part of our lives but doesn’t seem to control every aspect at first glance.
As always, we continue to follow new science and data and, if circumstances permit, do not hesitate to change policies and processes as part of our commitment to keeping our communities healthy and safe. We will also continue to operate Health Corps so that our staff can provide support and guidance to the community.
Masks can be optional in many settings, but it’s also important to emphasize that people may still want this additional layer of protection.
That choice should be respected as well as the choice not to wear a mask in the space where it is an option. We are in this together.
By respecting different perspectives and needs, we become a stronger community. This issue is no exception. This is another opportunity to meet again at another important moment.
thank you.
President Eli Kapilute
