Effective Feb. 28, Saint Xavier will move to a ‘mask-optional campus,’ in accordance with local, state and public health guidelines.
This comes as the Center For Disease Control (CDC) eased mask guidance for 70% of Americans to unmask indoors on Feb. 25.
In a Feb. 26 email statement, SXU President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., announced that the university will no longer require campus community members to wear a mask indoors—except in ‘designated’ areas. These areas will include “the Health Center, the Ludden Speech and Language Clinic, and the shuttle bus.”
As of Feb. 13-19, the number of Covid cases on campus have decreased and Covid test positivity rates remain ‘extremely low,’ Joyner states. The positivity rates in Cook County have also dropped ‘significantly’ to 3% since Feb. 26.
For now, COVID-19 migitiations are enforced, and “remain in place” at SXU. Community members must still adhere to the vaccine requirement, or participate in the university weekly testing program—“per Illinois Executive Order 2020-21,” said Joyner.
Joyner asks that everyone continue “to carry a mask on their person in case it is needed.” She continued: “All of those who wish to continue masking for any reason are welcome to do so.”
Those exposed to COVID-19, experience symptoms, or receive a positive test result are urged to fill out a COVID-19 Reporting Form.
Related questions about COVID-19 should be directed to the Health Center by contacting healthinfo@sxu.edu.
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