Masked professor and students talk in classroom

ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ to Retain Mask Requirement

  • BY ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥
  • February 15, 2022

While Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are dropping their indoor mask mandates for those who are fully vaccinated beginning Wednesday, Feb. 16, the that wearing a facial covering is a critical step to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

At this time, ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ will continue to require face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The university will reevaluate this requirement at the end of February.

Why is ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ continuing to require indoor masking?

  • All students, faculty and managers are required to receive a booster vaccination, and the continued use of face coverings through the end of February aligns with the deadline for students and managers.
  • While positivity rates are dropping quickly, health officials anticipate that the revised mask mandates may introduce a slight rise in cases. Let’s stay safe.
  • Many students and faculty have commented how they value returning to in-person learning this semester, and students say they learn better in the classroom. Masks help prevent the spread of illness–even just the common cold–and will reduce absences. 
  • The university continues to make science-based decisions. California’s discontinuation of the mask mandate means that facial coverings are not required, but are still strongly recommended. 

What can you do?

  • Get your booster vaccination, as required by the CSU system. All students, MPPs and confidential staff must upload their booster information by Feb. 28. 
  • Stay home if you are ill or have symptoms of coronavirus. Seasonal allergies and COVID-19 have similar symptoms.
  • However, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, are , and do not have symptoms, you do not need to quarantine or stay home. Review updated quarantine and isolation guidelines. 
  • Focus on keeping yourself safe. With the change in regional masking requirements, many will choose not to wear a facial covering in public spaces. But some people will continue to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status. Respect others and their decisions.

ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ COVID-19 resources