Letters to the UMB Community

Revision to UMB Face Covering Policy

August 05, 2021

Dear UMB community,
 
Since I last wrote to you about the Delta variant, we have seen an increase in the level of COVID-19 transmission in our surrounding community. The elevated rate of community transmission requires that we take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the ±¬ÁϹ«Éç, Baltimore (UMB). In alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s that masks be worn in areas of , effective Friday, Aug. 6, UMB will require that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in public indoor settings.
 
 
  • Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask in public indoor settings.
  • Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask on UMB buses or shuttles.
  • People may remove their masks when they are inside an office, laboratory, or study area, as long as they are by themselves.
  • Fully vaccinated people may remove their face covering when seated in a cubicle in accordance with the face covering policy.
  • Fully vaccinated lecturers have the option to remove their masks while lecturing as long as 6 feet of physical distance is between them and their audience.
  • Masks are not required when people are outdoors, except for at gatherings where attendees will be in fixed seating for more than 15 minutes without 6 feet of physical distancing.
  • Physical distancing is encouraged when feasible.
 
I know that there is some concern about how the Delta variant could impact our plans for the fall semester. I want to assure you that I remain committed to a vibrant and meaningful in-person environment for the fall semester and at this time do not plan to reduce campus operations.
 
As always, I want to remind you to not come to campus if you are feeling ill — whether or not it is COVID-19 related.  If you haven't already, against COVID-19 to lessen your chance of serious illness or death. All on-campus UMB students, faculty, and staff are expected to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, effective Aug. 16, 2021.
 
Although returning to mask-wearing may be frustrating, I remain optimistic about our progress in the fight against COVID-19. This disease has taught us that we must be flexible and work together to keep UMB and our friends, family, and community safe.
 
Our individual and collective actions matter — thank you for doing your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
 
Please refer to the FAQ, which will be updated with further guidance as it becomes available.
 
Sincerely,
 
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President 

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