The University of Michigan has announced update to its identity coverage policy on Wednesday. Starting Monday, March 14, masks will be optional on most campus enclosures – including offices, halls and sporting events – with the exception of classrooms, patient care areas, COVID-19 test sites and public transport. . The Michigan Daily spoke with the Office of Public Relations to answer some common questions about changes in mask policy.
Q: Will masks be required in classrooms during student organization activities?
A: Masks will only be needed in classrooms during training activities. The rest of the time, including student organization activities, masks will be optional.
Q: Will masks be needed in classrooms, including classrooms?
A: All training facilities, including training buildings such as the Rosa Winter Garden, do not require masks. This change also includes university libraries.
Q: Will masks be needed in the lobby and in the corridors of the academic buildings?
A: Masks will only be needed in training rooms during training. Any other room or hallway in educational buildings, including computer labs, such as the Mason Hall Aquarium, does not require masks.
Q: Previously, Michigan Dining required masks when not sitting at a table. Will this policy continue or be it repealed altogether?
A: Masks are not needed anywhere in the dining halls, including when not sitting at a table.
Q: Will masks still be needed for people who have a vaccine license?
A: Personal coverage will be optional for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status at all three campuses.
Q: Rec Sports previously closed outdoor basketball due to low mask requirements. Will the open basketball game return?
A: The open basketball game will return to Rec Sports when the mask policy changes on March 14th. RESPONSIBLE will still need to enter any sports facility Rec.
Question: University groups, including the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA) expressed concern over the hasty removal of the mask mandate. What groups did the university consult with before making the decision?
Answer: According to University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald, the Campus Health Response Committee (CHRC) has held “extensive consultation with public health experts and university steering groups” in the decision-making process.
Q: Campus plan Frequently Asked Questions state that the mandate was revoked afterwards CDC Guide for areas with medium traffic including Washten County. What are the university’s plans if the transfer becomes classified as “high” again?
A: The CHRC will continue to monitor transmission levels in Washton County and work in conjunction with health officials.
Q: Currently the masks remain required on transportation across the country, including at the university. Whether a re-evaluation of this mandate is planned after the order ends April 18?
A: The University does not currently plan to change the mandate of the mask on transport, but will continue to monitor rules and regulations and make adjustments as necessary.
Q: What is a learning space?
A: Study facilities include classrooms, laboratories, performance areas, conference rooms or other facilities used to support the academic experience.
Daily staff reporter Matthew Shenbom can be contacted at shanbom@umich.edu