LARAMIE, Wyo. — The University of Wyoming will start its spring 2022 semester with the same mask policy that was in place during its fall semester.
The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees decided Wednesday that the policy would be revisited at the board’s Feb. 16 meeting when they expect to have more information regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 on campus and in the local community, including the new Omicron variant.
“There’s just no way right now to tell what the conditions will be like when classes resume Jan. 18, so we believe it’s prudent to continue with the policies that have allowed us to have a successful in-person fall semester when we begin the spring semester,” said UW President Ed Seidel. “We are committed to continue delivering the in-person experience our students deserve, and this approach puts us in the best position to do so. If the conditions are such that removal of the indoor mask requirement is warranted in February, that’s what we intend to do.”
With the current mask policy, masks are required in UW buildings where six-foot social distancing is not possible. Exceptions to the indoor mask requirement are voluntary public events such as athletics and music, theater and dance performances; voluntary social events; and private, by-invitation events that involve rental and/or use of UW spaces on campus. Employees and students who have legitimate medical reasons to not wear masks can seek exceptions.
