The City of Milwaukee Health Department’s citywide mask mandate expired today, Tuesday, March 1. Due to the continued decline in community transmission and Marquette’s high vaccination and booster rates, masks are optional indoors on campus, effective Wednesday, March 2. Masks continue to be required in university health care settings (including on-campus clinics), on-campus COVID-19 testing sites and the Marquette Child Care Center, until further notice.
While there is no longer an indoor mask requirement on campus, any community member who feels more comfortable wearing a mask is encouraged to do so. Individuals may choose to wear a mask for a wide variety of reasons, and the Marquette community is urged to demonstrate our Guiding Values by being respectful.
As of March 1, the campus positivity rate has dropped to 1% as cases continue to decline in our region. More than 94% of Marquette faculty, staff and students have received their primary series vaccination. In addition, 86% of Marquette students and 81% of Marquette faculty and staff are up-to-date with COVID vaccination, meaning they have received their primary series vaccination plus a booster, if eligible.
In alignment with the latest CDC guidance, the university encourages members of our community who are immunocompromised, at high risk for COVID-19 complications or not up-to-date with COVID vaccination (primary series plus booster, if eligible) to continue wearing a mask while indoors. The CDC also recommends mask wearing in public for those who have been exposed to COVID-19 or who have tested positive within 10 days.
N-95 and surgical masks continue to be available at campus distribution points, including the AMU Information Desk, Raynor Memorial Libraries, residence halls, and college and school offices.
Regular testing for those in our community who have not provided proof of primary vaccination series or booster (if eligible) continues, as outlined in our testing protocols.
The COVID-19 Response Team continues to monitor and assess local metrics and to seek guidance from public health experts. Should current trends change, the university will adapt as needed.
The past two years of uncertainty and challenge have been difficult for many. Please continue to show each other grace, respect and compassion as our campus community adjusts to the latest guidelines.