Masks no longer required in some indoor spaces at University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky will no longer require masks to be worn in some places on campus, following updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Masks will become optional in common areas on campus, like the Gatton Student Center, and at voluntary events, like concerts and athletics venues. Changes to the mask policy will go into effect on Wednesday, March 9.
Masks will still be required in classrooms while classes are taking place, and in research facilities and laboratories, the university announced. The UK HealthCare mask policy will not change.
“We are pleased to make this move at this time,” President Eli Capilouto said in an email announcing the changes. “It points to the hope that we are beginning a new phase in the long battle against this virus — moving from a pandemic to an illness that is endemic: something serious that is part of our lives but doesn’t dominate seemingly every aspect of them.”
Capilouto said UK will continue to monitor COVID-19 data, and “we won’t hesitate to change policies and processes as part of our commitment to keeping our community healthy and safe.”
Those who wish to continue wearing masks indoors can do so, and “that choice should be respected as should the choice to not wear a mask in a space where it is optional,” Capilouto said.
The mask requirement at UK has been in place since the fall 2020 semester, when students returned after completing the spring 2020 semester online. The previous policy required masks in all indoor spaces at UK where people gather.
Kentucky’s COVID-19 cases have continued to decline in recent weeks. According to UK’s COVID dashboard, there are 14 active cases among students and employees as of March 2, the most recently available data.
Last week, it was announced that masks are no longer required in Lexington city offices. At the end of February, the mask requirement for state employees was lifted by Gov. Andy Beshear, with some exceptions.