Cardinal Community Update,
Over the last several weeks, COVID-19 cases in our region and nation have continued to drop significantly and vaccine supply continues to be very strong. According to the CDC, studies have consistently shown three main things:
The vaccines are safe and they are preventing mild and severe disease, hospitalization and death.
The vaccines have proven to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in our country.
Fully vaccinated individuals are less likely to have asymptomatic infection and to be able to spread the virus to others.
In response to the above information, the CDC’s new guidance on masking and the governor’s recent executive order, we are changing our mask requirement and expiring our interim travel policies.
Fully vaccinated Cardinals not required to mask
A fully vaccinated status is defined as being vaccinated for at least two weeks since the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks since the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Effective immediately, fully vaccinated Cardinals are not required to mask in any setting on campus. The university strongly encourages all Cardinals to get vaccinated. Our Cardinal Stadium vaccination site is still taking walk-ups and drive-ups through May 28 and alternative vaccination locations are available on the COVID-19 website.
Respect for Cardinals who continue to mask
Please remember that there are multiple reasons why some Cardinals are not getting vaccinated and others will prefer to stay masked and physically distanced on campus despite being fully vaccinated. Cardinals should respect the privacy and space of those who are staying masked and distanced on campus.
University-sponsored travel permitted again
Starting today, the COVID-19 interim travel policies are no longer in effect. This means both domestic and international travel for all forms of university business are permitted again. We encourage opportunities for fully vaccinated Cardinals to engage in international study and research under our reinstated Travel Warning Policy. As stated in this existing policy, travel to CDC and State Department Level 3 and 4 destinations require an appeal and additional considerations due to the heightened risk those countries pose to travelers. Read the policy for specific details and review the international travel forms and procedures located on the provost office's website.
More details coming this summer
Later this summer, we’ll provide a more comprehensive list of what you can expect this fall semester with our COVID-19 response. Remember, this continues to be an evolving situation and our plans may need to change depending on the latest guidance from the CDC and the state. We will continue to keep you frequently updated and we look forward to safely building back our vibrant campus community with you this summer and fall.
Lori Stewart Gonzalez
Executive Vice President and University Provost
Kevin Gardner
Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation
Michael A. Mardis
Dean of Students
Mary Elizabeth Miles
Vice President, Human Resources
Phillip Bressoud
Executive Director, Campus Health Services
Mark J. Watkins
Chief Operating Officer
