WSU still requiring masks, attestation until state guidelines updated

The Cougar Pride statue wearing a face mask with the WSU logo.

Washington State University will continue to require the wearing of masks on its campuses and worksites as well as attestation prior to arrival until state guidelines are revised to reflect recent updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On May 13, the CDC announced that individuals who are fully vaccinated can resume indoor and outdoor activities without a face mask or physically distancing. Doing so must be in compliance with federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said that the state is working to adapt the new CDC guidelines into its mask mandate. WSU anticipates further guidance from the state departments of Health and Labor and Industries in the near future. Once received, WSU will provide students and employees with updated guidance.

Those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to take steps to protect themselves and others.

“Getting the vaccine is the most effective way members of our community can work towards a return to normalcy in the fall,” WSU President Kirk Schulz said. “Vaccination also is the best way we can all work together to help protect our communities and those who are unable to be vaccinated.”

WSU Environmental Health and Safety has recently updated its workplace guidance ahead of this summer’s phased reopening process.

Policies aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 have shifted greatly on WSU campuses since last March thanks to research from the CDC and other agencies.

Cleaning and disinfection procedures have changed significantly in the 14 months since many WSU employees shifted to remote work. The easing of these processes came as a result of new findings from the CDC, which determined that the risk of infection from touching a contaminated surface is low.

All WSU employees are also encouraged to stay home if they are sick.

To learn more about EH&S’s most up-to-date workplace guidance, visit their website.

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