On Wednesday, Feb. 16, the DU COVID-19 coordinator sent out a mass email to the student body alerting them of the new transition to alert level green, which means there are low COVID-19 positivity rates on campus. 

The shift will initiate this Friday, Feb. 18 and alert level green means that mask requirements will be altered. Fully vaccinated students, visitors and personnel are able to remove their masks indoors in groups of four or fewer. They may also opt-out of wearing a mask in common areas and hallways, where a 6-foot distance is applicable. 

Masks will continue to be required in classroom settings and in groups of 5 or more. Unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated students and other visitors will still be required to follow the same COVID-19 regulations from our previous state of alert level blue.

The DU COVID-19 coordinating team has made this decision based on careful evaluation of factors such as “transmissibility and consequences of illness for individuals and our healthcare systems” with their partner National Jewish Health.  

The statement foreshadowed moving to alert level clear where fully vaccinated members of the community will no longer be required to wear masks indoors. 

There are seven alert levels—in order of most to least severe—purple, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and clear. Alert level purple is when classes are fully online, and campus is only allowed for essential on-campus employees or students who cannot safely return home. During alert level red, classes are hybrid, activities require approval, buildings are at 50% capacity, badge access is required and visitors are prohibited. Alert levels orange and yellow loosen up on visitor restrictions and testing schedules. 

Our current state, alert level green is when most classes are in person, campus clearance is required, face coverings are required, but fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear a mask besides while in class. Alert level blue and clear would remove all COVID-19 restrictions. Stay up-to-date on the most recent COVID-19 announcements on DU’s website.