KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Wednesday, officials with Western Michigan University (WMU) announced that masking when indoors will now be required, effective immediately.
In a news release to the WMU community, medical officials explained that the decision is due to the ongoing spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Kalamazoo County was recently determined as an area with “substantial” transmission by the CDC. People living in areas deemed to have “substantial” or “high” transmission are advised to wear masks indoors, even if fully vaccinated.
“Due to our local community’s recent uptick in infections, all students, faculty, staff and visitors—regardless of vaccination status—are required to wear a mask in campus buildings and other WMU facilities,” officials said in the letter. “This requirement is effective immediately. Masking should begin as soon as it is feasible, understanding that there may be exceptions today for those who did not bring a mask to campus due to their verified vaccination status.”
When conditions improve, the policy will be rescinded to only requiring masks for those who have not verified their vaccination status.
Those who persistently disregard the requirement may face disciplinary action, although officials noted that those instances are rare.
Meanwhile, those who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to make an appointment at Sindecuse Health Center.
To view the letter, click here.
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