Will CWU’s indoor mask mandate be rescinded? Students and staff share their thoughts.
March 9, 2022
Masks have been required in all indoor settings at CWU since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The indoor mask mandate completely changed the way students interact on campus.
As spring quarter approaches, the indoor mask mandate could be rescinded, signaling another step towards normality.
In a message sent to the campus community on March 3, President Jim Wohlpart said the university has not made a decision in regards to a spring indoor masking policy.
“We have been in discussion with our shared governance groups on campus regarding a masking policy for spring quarter and will continue those conversations as we monitor the data and the guidance,” the message stated. “We will not rush this decision as we recognize that conditions are changing rapidly. We want to hear from all constituents as we review the science and the guidance of health officials, which have been the basis for our decision-making to date.”
The university’s current indoor masking policy will remain in effect until its end date, March 18. The message also announced the end of the outdoor mask mandate on campus.
Members of the campus community have expressed their feelings on the possibility of the indoor mask mandate getting lifted. Read their thoughts below.
Answer: I have conflicting feelings about the mandate being lifted. As someone who works in a field where we are sharing close proximity in scene work, I’m excited for us to use faces to tell stories. But I’m also nervous how often my students will get sick from even the common cold.
Answer: I actually had a conversation with my roommate and we both personally aren’t too enthusiastic, but we’re staying optimistic. We are afraid there may be a spike in COVID again and it would go back. At the end of the day, no one really knows though.
Answer: I would definitely like to walk around outside with it off. In crowded rooms I still don’t want to get sick, but I would be fine if we got to take them off.
Question: I really look to the Governor on that one. I wait to see what he says and he’s probably got a lot more information on that than me.
Answer: I think I can safely say I feel comfortable with it at this point.
Answer: I think it’ll be fine. I see a lot of people without their masks nowadays. I’m not sure how it is with the COVID cases.
Answer: I would be fine with either. I understand both sides but I do think if we don’t get rid of it, when is it gonna happen? But I’m also not completely educated on how bad COVID is right now.
Answer: I would definitely like to walk around outside with it off. In crowded rooms I still don’t want to get sick, but I would be fine if we got to take them off.