- Published Date:
Dear Howard University Community,
Effective Monday, June 13, 2022, Howard University will transition to a mask-optional policy for Main Campus as well as West Campus.
Following an increase in cases at the end of the Spring 2022 semester, we have seen a steady decline in campus positivity rates. Further, in keeping with the shift of the CDC away from using only positivity rates, we also are tracking severe illness and hospitalizations. To date, we have not observed any hospitalizations or severe COVID-19 cases among faculty, staff or students. We will continue to require vaccines and boosters, which have proven to be the most effective means to limit severe illness and hospitalization.
The decision to wear a mask will be optional in University-owned or operated buildings, including libraries, offices, dining facilities, residential buildings. The Howard University Hospital and clinical operations, such as the Faculty Practice Plan (FPP), will follow currently established guidelines for health care. Other limited exceptions are noted below:
Masks will be optional in classrooms, though individual faculty may require mask usage in their courses.
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Individuals must wear a mask while on University-sponsored public transportation (Bison Shuttle, etc).
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Individuals visiting University health care facilities (e.g., Student Health Center, etc.) must follow the guidelines of those facilities.
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Individuals in, or recently released from, quarantine or isolation must wear a mask for the full 10 days from the date of exposure or infection, consistent with DC Health guidance and CDC guidance.
Please be mindful that every individual has the right to wear a mask whenever and wherever they wish on our campus. We will continue to respect the individual decisions of faculty, students and staff secondary to the parameters noted above.
We will continue to monitor public health conditions locally, regionally and nationally. In the event we experience a significant resurgence of COVID-19 infections in Washington, D.C. or on our campus (or other risks), we may reinstate the indoor mask requirement or other restrictions as necessary.
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation as we work together to keep our community safe, and we will continue to keep the community informed of important health updates.
Excellence in Truth and Service,
Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D.
Provost & Chief Academic Officer
Hugh E. Mighty, MD, MBA
Dean, College of Medicine & VP for Clinical Affairs