Wright State restores campus indoor mask policy

Wright State revised campus mask policy is based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health partners.

Effective Thursday, Aug. 5, all students, faculty, staff and visitors are required to wear a face mask when inside all buildings on Wright State University campuses, regardless of vaccination status, President Sue Edwards, Ph.D., announced in an email to the Wright State community.

Masks are not required when outdoors on Wright State campuses if people are able to maintain a safe physical distance.

Face coverings must be worn at all times in university buildings—except when actively eating or drinking or working alone in a closed space such as an office or lab. Face coverings should cover the nose, mouth and chin.

Individuals with a medical condition or disability that prevents them from safely wearing a face mask may seek a reasonable accommodation. If you do not believe a face mask will work for you based on your disability, please email mask-ada@wright.edu to discuss a potential accommodation.

Throughout the pandemic, Wright State has adjusted campus protocols as state and federal guidance, conditions and scientific recommendations changed, Edwards said.

The university revised campus mask policy is based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health partners. It reflects the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, which has become the most common form of the coronavirus in Ohio and in the United States. It is also a necessary step given the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the counties in which our campuses are located. Because the Delta variant can be transmitted by fully vaccinated people to others, masking adds another layer of protection for employees, students, and visitors.

Wright State strongly encourages all faculty, staff, and students to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

“When combined with masking, the vaccine remains the most effective tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Edwards said. “It is also the best way to help our university return to a full campus life and protect community members who cannot get the vaccine.”

Vaccines are available through campus resources and through our community partners. Learn more about vaccine availability on campus.

Everyone is asked to continue to take these additional protective measures:

• Stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Stay six feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

Wright State will continue to evaluate university health and safety protocols and will communicate important updates when necessary.

Wright State students, employees and visitors are encouraged to visit the university’s coronavirus website frequently to view the latest safety and health protocols.

Positive COVID-19 case numbers are updated on the university’s COVID dashboard when the Office of Environmental Health and Safety is able to verify reports.