Shaw University COVID-19 New Mask Policy
**This policy goes into effect Monday, April 11, 2022**
Dear Campus Community,
Since the March 2020 onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have followed the guidance of health and government officials to keep our campus community safe and well. Since our return to campus in Fall 2020, we also have introduced equipment and implemented policies and practices that have allowed us to remain in-person on the campus safely. We have had cases of COVID-19 in our campus community, but no widespread outbreaks or serious illness requiring hospitalizations. We were able to do this because every individual cooperated and generally complied with the necessary safety precautions. As vaccines, new therapeutics and information has become available, we have evaluated the impact and adjusted our policies and practices accordingly.
Raleigh’s Mayor Baldwin lifted the mask mandate on February 25, 2022; however, we cautiously have maintained the in-door mask mandate for certain locations on our campus. This week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Wake County COVID-19 Community Level is categorized as low (68.27 case rate per 100,000 population). Weekly PCR testing before and following spring break have yielded very few positive COVID-19 results on campus. Based on this data, a decision has been made effective Monday, April 11, 2022, to modify the COVID-19 mask policy as follows:
- You may choose to wear a mask at any time; however, wearing masks indoors will no longer be mandatory.
- Mandatory COVID-19 testing will remain in effect every other week for the remainder of the spring semester.
- COVID-19 testing is still available; all are advised to get tested if experiencing symptoms.
- Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
I appreciate your cooperation and have every confidence that you will do everything within your power to protect yourself and others to keep our campus safe.
