Today, the university announced an update on its campus-wide mask mandate stating that effective Tuesday, May 3, masks will no longer be required on campus besides for patient care sites such as Graham Health Center (GHC) and the COVID-19 testing site on campus.

The university sent out the following announcement via the Campus Communications email:

“Effective on Tuesday, May 3, the university’s mask usage requirement will be eliminated for all campus areas except for patient care sites including Graham Health Center (GHC) and the COVID-19 testing site in Oakland Center.

The university remains committed to protecting the health of all campus community members. Staff members concerned about virus transmission in their workspaces should discuss concerns with their supervisors and faculty members should contact their dean’s office to discuss alternative work arrangements. As always, the university fully supports all who choose to continue wearing masks on campus.

Oakland’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate will remain in place until further notice, as will weekly testing requirements for individuals with approved exemptions. Students, faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated according to CDC guidelines, and are strongly encouraged to get booster shots as recommended. Information on booster shot appointments and walk-in clinics is available on the GHC web section.

To continue effectively preventing disease transmission, individuals experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness are advised to not come to campus and get to tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.

All positive cases of COVID-19 must be reported via the Graham Health Center Secure Patient Portal or by emailing to [email protected]. Campus community members exposed to or diagnosed with the virus may be subject to the university’s isolation and quarantine guidelines.

Oakland’s infection prevention guidelines may be revised at any time in response to evolving COVID-19 pandemic conditions.”

Cases on campus have been decreasing, but were still higher in April than March with case numbers reaching a high of 31 cases in the week of April 9. It is important to note that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, cases are rising across the United States currently.

May 3 also marks the beginning of the summer semester, when fewer students will likely be on campus.