Indoor masking, daily screening policies to change March 7

After two years of restrictions and heeding public health protocols, we welcome the chance to take a huge and hopeful step on our way out of pandemic public health mandates. 

Current CDC and state COVID-19 guidelines, along with our downward trend of positive cases University-wide, allow us to revise indoor masking and daily screening mandates starting March 7.

Masking
As of Monday, indoor masking will be optional on all campuses except in the following cases:

• In health care clinical settings (wearing a mask is required);
• When you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19;
• When you are instructed to wear a mask by a healthcare provider;
• If you feel ill with upper respiratory symptoms or you are COVID-positive, and isolate.

The masking change is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals still must undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.

It’s important for all of us to remember that some people may feel uncomfortable being around unmasked individuals. Additionally, many vaccinated individuals may choose to wear a mask for their own safety or for the safety of their loved ones. Please be respectful of everyone’s choices. 

In instances such as one-on-one meetings, either party may request that a mask be worn. If that is not acceptable to either person, an alternative arrangement should be scheduled.

Daily health screening
Also as of March 7, the daily health screening for students, employees and on-campus vendors will not be required.

Testing
Through May 5, weekly testing of unvaccinated employees and students will remain mandatory and will be available through the Wellness Center and will continue on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest in Chamberlain Student Center. Testing also is available for anyone who requests it.

Additionally, to ensure the continued safety of our community, Rowan will offer testing each day during the week after spring break, March 21-25, in the Owl’s Nest.

Questions & Answers

Does this mean the end of all masking at Rowan?
While the indoor masking requirement is being lifted in most instances, there still may be times when you may need to wear a mask. As a community, we must remember that masks may be worn at various times for the foreseeable future, so please continue to have a mask on hand should you need it.  

Can I continue to wear a mask if I want to?
Absolutely. We recognize that some folks will prefer to wear a mask for personal reasons. 

Can I request that someone wear a mask in my presence? 
As a community, it’s critical that we continue to be respectful and courteous to others. You can respectfully request that someone wear a mask in your office. In this circumstance, it would be appropriate and courteous for you to put on a mask if someone asks you to. However, if you cannot come to a consensus with someone regarding wearing a mask, please schedule another arrangement, such as a virtual meeting.

What if I feel sick?
Understanding that spring allergies often have symptoms that mimic upper respiratory infections that seem similar to COVID-19, we ask that all students with such symptoms avoid contact with others and wear a mask when around others until symptoms subside. Also, please wear a mask and get tested if you come into contact with someone known to have COVID-19.

If I test positive for COVID-19, do I have to notify the University?
Yes. Doing so allows us to keep track of our case numbers. Students and faculty members who test positive should report their results here.

Could the masking mandate return in the future?
Our COVID-19 advisory group meets frequently to assess the health of our community and to monitor state and CDC guidelines. If we see changes in the data, or if state and federal officials advise a return to indoor masking because of a dramatic increase in positive cases, we will follow the science and take appropriate measures.

Rowan PROUD
As a University community, we have worked together for two years to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving deeper into spring, it’s our fervent hope that we, as a nation, will begin entering the endemic stage of the virus. As Prof Nation, we have done an extraordinary job staying kind, caring, respectful and vigilant as we work together to keep each other healthy and safe.

We are proud and thankful for all that has been done, individually and collectively, to keep Rowan moving, growing and thriving. Please keep up the great work and continue to maintain the wonderful spirit of collegiality that is one of our institution’s most enduring tenets.

Respectfully,

Tony Lowman
Provost

Terri Drye
Vice President for Human Resources/CHRO

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

Scott Woodside
Director for the Wellness Center