UW Lifts Requirements for Masks, Distancing

Following recent action by the Wyoming Department of Health, the University of Wyoming has lifted the requirements for social distancing and wearing masks. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

Continuing the transition to a traditional fall 2021 semester, the University of Wyoming announced Monday that they are only recommending masks and distancing for those who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19. The Board of Trustees for the University voted earlier this month to follow Department of Health orders, which required masks in educational settings indoors only when social distancing couldn’t be maintained. The DOH removed that requirement for higher education institutions Friday. The Board of Trustees’ and Department of Health’s actions followed new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that people who are fully vaccinated can go without masks or physical distancing in most cases, even when they are indoors or in large groups.A mask requirement remains in place for UW Transit Service buses, in accordance with federal guidelines for public transportation. UW announced earlier that it’s proceeding with plans for face-to-face classes at maximum capacity this fall, along with face-to-face student engagement programs, in-person athletics experiences and the like. The Board of Trustees voted March 26 to “fully reopen” the university “consistent with the health policy guidelines and directives of the state and federal governments regarding COVID-19.” In concert with a directive from Governor Mark Gordon, the University is not requiring employees or students to be vaccinated for COVID-19 — though they’re strongly encouraged to do so. Those who are vaccinated are required to report it — to allow the university to track overall vaccination numbers.

According to information from the University, approximately 70 percent of full-time benefited employees have reported receiving at least one dose of the vaccine, while 52 percent of non-benefited workers have reported receiving at least one dose.