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Ohio University loosens masking requirements after City of Athens indoor mask mandate expires

By: Aaron Payne
Posted on: Tuesday, March 1, 2022

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Masks will no longer be required in most non-classroom public spaces on Ohio University campuses in counties with low or medium COVID-19 community levels, effective immediately.

In an email sent to students and faculty Tuesday, university officials said masks will still be required in classrooms, laboratories, studios and clinical settings as well as on campus transportation regardless of COVID-19 community level in the county.

Ohio University Spokesperson Carly Leatherwood said some examples of “non-classroom public spaces” include student dorms, Baker University Center, Ping Recreation Center and Alden Library.

The updated requirements come after the CDC released it’s new COVID Community Level recommendations Friday. The low medium and high levels are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.

According to the CDC on Tuesday, only the Chillicothe and Southern campuses were located in counties with a high community level where masks are still required in all indoor public spaces.

The university noted in its email that students, faculty, and staff on the Cleveland campus should be aware that the Cleveland Clinic still requires masking in public places. The Ohio University Child Development Center will continue to require masks and individual campus events may have additional masking requirements based on policies in place with participating organizations or contracted performers.

Ohio University’s roll back comes after Athens City Schools announced Monday it would go mask optional beginning next week.

It also comes after Athens City Council did not renew the city-wide mask mandate during Monday night’s meeting.

At-Large Council Member Sarah Grace had brought forward an emergency measure to extend the indoor mask mandate through March 31 that was on second reading. An attempt was made to amend the emergency measure to have the mandate trigger when Athens Count reached a high community level.

Mayor Steve Patterson and others pointed out the new CDC guidance found Athens County fluctuating between different levels day-to-day. Patterson said the fluctuation would make it difficult for businesses to enforce mask mandates.

The amendment failed and the emergency measure was tabled, effectively ending the city’s indoor mask mandate set to expire at midnight on Tuesday.

Several council members did say they would consider instituting a new mask requirement if future CDC guidance recommends it.

 

WOUB reporters Nick Viland and Lexi Lepof contributed to this report.