Masking Voluntary (Indoor & Outdoor) Effective April 2nd Forward

Dear Campus Community,

I am sharing with you today the College’s decision to lift the mask requirement effective April 2, 2022, in time for the start of spring quarter.

This decision was informed by many sources including:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education
• The Washington State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Recommendations for Higher Education

• Input from over 600 college respondents to the mask survey in which feedback was almost perfectly split
• Feedback from the Communicable Disease Team

Additionally, please note the following regarding this change in masking requirements:

• Masks will continue to be required in clinical and other health-care settings and on College shuttles/vans.
• Use of well-fitting masks may be temporarily required or recommended by the College (e.g., days 6-10 if returning to work from isolation after day 5, during a COVID-19 outbreak, when community levels are high, etc.).
• Individual staff members or instructors cannot require others to mask in their departments or classrooms.
• If you voluntarily choose to mask up, choose a well-fitted, high-quality mask — such as a KN95, N95, or surgical mask — which when worn correctly can protect you as well as those around you. You can pick up masks at ASK ME stations in the 1000, 4000, and 5000 buildings or from your ET or Student Learning, Equity, Success (SLES) member.
• Individuals who are immunocompromised or live with someone who is at risk for severe COVID-19 should consider wearing well-fitting masks when community levels are medium or higher, per the Washington State Department of Health. Current community level in King County is identified by the CDC as low. 
• The College recommends respiratory etiquette. 
• The College’s masking decision may change in the future, should conditions change.

Other items to keep in mind as we move forward:

• Individual areas or employees cannot require others to mask in their areas, offices, or classrooms.
• The College will continue to promote/support hand hygiene by supplying hand sanitizer and wipes to employees, as requested.
• Wipe and hand sanitizer dispensers will remain in current locations throughout the campus.
• The College will continue to maintain indoor air quality through the use MERV13 air filters.
• The College will continue to clean high-touch surfaces across campus daily as well as offices in use by on-campus employees.
• Employees should continue to work with Human Resources (HR) regarding any accommodation requested.
• Installed plexiglass will remain in use across campus.
• Vaccination verification or eligible exemption status will continue to be required for all employees and on-campus students.

Individuals should continue to report any COVID-19 symptoms or exposures via the online reporting tool for direction on health and safety steps needed.

I truly appreciate your ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of our students and the college community. Please extend to each other grace and respect as we work through these important conversations.

-Steve

Steve Hanson
Interim President
Office of the President