On May 26, DU updated its mask and social distancing requirements and announced a two-phase plan that aims to remove all face mask requirements in most situations.
As of June 1, vaccinated persons only need to wear face masks indoors if they are in a classroom, a residence hall community space, a shared office space, an elevator, a restroom, the Coors Fitness Center or the Ritchie Center during commencement ceremonies.
Furthermore, all outdoor mask mandates for the vaccinated have been lifted excluding certain large events. Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks when in large groups outdoors and at all times indoors (except in private offices or residential rooms).
Phase two begins on June 14, and it marks the end of all face-covering requirements for vaccinated adults—excluding large events. DU will still require minors to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. DU claims this decision is based on low vaccination rates among those under 18.
Moreover, vaccinated adults will no longer be required to fill out daily symptom monitoring surveys via Everbridge or PioneerWeb. However, those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are expected to remain off-campus until they get a negative test.
Unvaccinated individuals will be subject to the mask requirements outlined in phase one. Visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will also be subject to these regulations.
DU came to this decision after the CDC updated its recommendations for the vaccinated. The university cited its vaccination rates—90% among faculty, 77% of staff, 75% among graduate students and 67% of undergraduate students—as a reason for the updated regulations.
With these new rules coming into place, DU asks that community members treat each other with compassion. The university requests that the community does not denounce or punish those who choose to continue wearing face masks despite the relaxed requirements.
In the conclusion of his message to the university, Chancellor Jeremy Haefner expressed his aspirations for the future, “I eagerly look forward to a vibrant, in-person, less restrictive campus in the coming weeks and months. And thank you to all who have made this transition possible through your sacrifice and dedication.”
For more information on DU’s updated protocols and regulations, you can refer to the university’s COVID-19 protocol page on its website.
