University of Michigan to Lift Mask Mandate on May 2

The University of Michigan (U-M) has updated its mask guidelines and other COVID-19 requirements, and has decided to make masks optional for indoor spaces on the three of its campuses starting from May 2, except for some selected areas on the Ann Arbor campus, the university has announced.

According to U-M, the policy was put in place ahead of the spring and the summer semesters. It applies to all students, employees, and visitors on the three campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint, Erudera reports.

“Effective May 2, masks will no longer be required during class times or on U-M buses for the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses. They will remainrequired in patient care areas and at COVID-19 testing sites on the Ann Arbor campus. The updated policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors,” the University of Michigan emphasizes in a statement.

As of this date, masking will also be optional at off-campus properties managed by the university.

Meanwhile, the University of Michigan Law School and the Medical School will keep mask requirements in place in classrooms until the end of the winter semester.

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The director of the COVID-19 Campus Health Response Committee and associate vice president of student life for health and wellness, Robert Ernst, said that as masks will be optional on campus, it is important to know that some of the members of the community may be at an increased risk and may prefer to wear face-coverings because of their personal safety.

“Masks remain an effective measure against the spread of COVID-19. Everyone should remain respectful of others in their choices to either wear or not wear a mask,” Ernst said.

At the same time, the three University of Michigan campuses will continue asking community members to get vaccinated against COVID-19, including to get one booster when eligible.

In their messages to the Ann Arbor campus community announcing the policy update, Ernst and Chief Health Officer Preeti Malani said the changes have been made according to the COVID-19 community level guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ernst and Malani stressed that although the number of infections on campus has been decreasing in the last few weeks, it is still high.

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According to the announcement, the university’s Campus Health Response Committee will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation on three campuses and will take steps based on the latest guidance.

In addition to getting vaccinated against COVID-19, the U-M has reminded its community to get tested after contact with infected people and wear a face covering for ten days. Other reminders include:

• Staying home, keeping distance from others, and getting tested for COVID-19 if sick or experiencing any symptoms.
• Isolating for at least five days and using a face-covering around others if someone tests positive for COVID-19.