Ohio University updates masking requirements

A message to the Ohio University community from Dr. Ken Johnson and Dr. Gillian Ice.

Dear OHIO community,

We are writing today to share an update in masking requirements on Ohio University campuses. Earlier this month, we announced a less restrictive masking policy on our campuses. This phased approach was intentional as we anticipated that many members of our community would be traveling for spring break and to ensure that our case count remained low when everyone returned to campus.  

We are happy to report that the downward trend in positive COVID-19 cases on Ohio University campuses continues, as is occurring throughout most of the state and country.  

Effective immediately, Ohio University masking requirements will match the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Community Level for the county in which the campus is located: 

• High: Masks are required in all indoor public spaces on OHIO campuses.
• Medium: Masks are required in classrooms, laboratories, studios, clinical settings, other learning spaces, and the Child Development Center. 
• Low: Masks are optional on campus. 

At low and medium COVID-19 community levels, masks may still be required in some settings: 

• Clinical healthcare facilities including Campus Care.
• COVID-19 testing facilities.
• Public transportation.
• Where masks are not required, students, faculty, and staff who test positive or are exposed to COVID-19 must follow masking guidelines outlined in the OHIO COVID-19 Protocol. 

Current community levels for OHIO campuses are provided below.

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We will update this information weekly on Fridays on OHIO's Mask Policy page, paired with email announcements to only the affected campuses if a community level changes. 

Those who prefer to wear a mask are encouraged to do so. Please recognize that our classmates and colleagues who have chronic illnesses or who live with someone who has a high-risk medical condition may choose to mask regardless of community level.  

All of us can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases by wearing a mask if we don’t feel well or, better yet, staying home if symptomatic. 

Throughout the pandemic, we have adjusted our safety measures to respond to the changing environment and based on guidance from local, state, and national public health experts. We appreciate the support we have received from our OHIO community and the care that you have demonstrated to each other through these challenging times. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Ken Johnson
Chief Medical Affairs Officer
Executive Dean, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Gillian Ice
Special Assistant to the President for Public Health Operations