Revised Masking Policies for the Start of the Fall 2021 Semester
Marist has temporarily updated its masking policies for the start of the fall 2021 semester and will now require masks regardless of vaccination status in all administrative and academic buildings on campus, including the Library.
“Marist’s internal medical advisory team supports this guidance on a temporary basis for the Marist community,” the President's Cabinet said. “The academic administration is currently consulting with faculty leadership on whether to extend this temporary masking policy to in-person classroom instruction and laboratories.”
As a campus, Marist has reported that approximately 90% of students, faculty and staff have uploaded documentation of full vaccination against COVID-19. Currently, approximately 55% of Dutchess County residents have reached a full vaccination status. Dutchess County has 739 active COVID-19 cases as of August 19 and is considered an area of high transmission.
“At this point, we are well on the way to reaching our ambitious goal of having 95% of the Marist community fully vaccinated by the beginning of the fall semester,” the President's Cabinet said. “These high vaccination rates will allow us to enjoy most, if not all, of the activities that make the College such a special place to live, learn and work.”
Facial coverings are not required in every campus setting for fully vaccinated individuals. Those who are fully vaccinated do not have to wear masks outdoors, in private offices or in shared work spaces where six feet of distance can be maintained and in residence halls. Facial coverings are required when entering or walking around the McCann Center and cafeteria, but they are not necessary when exercising, eating or drinking.
“Despite the great progress we’ve made, we need to be mindful of the rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus, both across the nation and here in Dutchess County,” the President's Cabinet said. “The Delta variant is particularly worrisome because it is more virulent and more easily transmissible than previous strains of the virus.”
The Marist administration continues to create policies based on public health measures with the advice of the internal medical team. The administration emphasized that the campus masking policies that went into effect on August 18 are temporary and will adapt to public health circumstances.
“We are extremely grateful for the way in which the Marist community has stepped up to the challenges of the past year and a half, and we appreciate your continued cooperation,” the President's Cabinet said. “While we are all weary of this pandemic, we are encouraged by signs of a recent uptick in vaccination rates nationwide. After everything we have been through as a nation, we must believe that our collective diligence will pay off and that normal life will resume.”
Students returning to campus for the 2021-2022 academic year were required to submit documentation of full vaccination against COVID-19. Those who did not get vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or religious reasons will be subject to additional campus requirements such as mandatory testing and mask usage indoors.
“Sincere thanks to all those who have taken these steps to protect the health of our college community,” President's Cabinet said. “The science clearly shows that vaccines remain our safest and most effective defense against the coronavirus and its variants.”
Revised masking policies for the start of the fall 2021 semester. Source: Greta Stuckey