VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Students, staff, faculty, and visitors alike will no longer be required to wear a mask at Vincennes University campuses and sites as of Monday evening.
The university made the announcement today, saying that effective 5 p.m. Feb. 28, Individuals have the option to wear masks or face coverings if they choose.
VU is phasing out its mandatory indoor masking policy aligning with CDC guidelines. The CDC relaxed mask recommendations last Friday for most Americans with the release of a color-coded map to help determine if individuals should wear masks indoors in their area. VU COVID-19 case counts also remain low and cases are declining statewide.
Release from Vincennes University
“We thank everyone for their continued efforts to keep our University community safe and healthy during the pandemic,” VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said. “Face masks and coverings have proven highly effective in helping to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We will, however, no longer require the wearing of them inside our buildings and facilities. In some instances, mask wearing and social distancing will continue to be encouraged as outlined by the CDC’s latest guidance. Vaccines remain our best protection against COVID-19. Everyone in the VU Community is encouraged to be vaccinated or get a booster dose as soon as they are eligible.”
Vincennes University President Dr. Charles R. Johnson released the following as part of the announcement:
- Individuals may choose to continue wearing a mask for a variety of personal or health reasons. Please be considerate.
- The University Primary Care Clinic may continue to enforce the mask mandate for visitors and staff. Please look for signage to indicate if that requirement is in effect before entering the clinic.
- The current restrictions for large events will remain in effect until April 30, 2022.
- Safety barriers, such as plexiglass in offices, classrooms, and labs, will remain in place for the rest of the academic year.
- VU will maintain its contact tracing process for the remainder of the academic year and ask all faculty, staff, and students to continue to report Covid cases and close contacts through the online form.
- VU encourages all eligible students, faculty, and staff to become fully vaccinated, according to CDC and FDA guidance.
With the university’s scheduled spring break approaching, the school encourages students, faculty, and staff to avoid taking unnecessary risks of exposure to COVID-19.
