A “masks optional” policy goes into effect on all Sinclair campuses starting tomorrow, March 5. Individuals may continue to wear face masks but will not be required to do so. A Sinclair press release clarifies that some programs involving infectious disease control may continue to enforce mandatory masking. The college emphasizes that only the mask policy is being changed at this time. Other COVID-19 policies remain in place.
A drop in COVID-19 infection rates and changes in CDC recommendations led to this change. According to Ohio’s COVID-19 Dashboard, reports of cases in the local area fell from their January peak and have remained low. The college continues to monitor COVID-19 data and developments and will return to a mandatory mask policy if needed. Since suspending in-person services in March 2020, Sinclair has used various safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. With few exceptions, it has required mandatory masking on its campuses during the gradual return of its in-person classes. The College followed the guidance of public health authorities and communicated their commitment to supporting public health and health care workers.
Sinclair took campus opinion into account in its decision to change mask policy. It discussed this change with students, faculty and staff. It conducted surveys online and on campus earlier this week. Sinclair will continue to evaluate the “masks optional” policy and other COVID-19 policies in light of new data and “adjust its policies if cases surge or new variants emerge.” Recent CDC guidance categorizes counties using COVID-19 community levels. Individuals can check current community levels using the guidance’s COVID-19 County Check tool. As of March 4, Montgomery County has a low community level. The tool states that individuals in Montgomery County “may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.”
The guidance recommends staying up to date with vaccines and boosters, getting tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and isolating and quarantining if feeling symptoms or if exposed. At medium community levels, the CDC directs immunocompromised people and those at high risk to consult with their healthcare provider about mask use and directs those in contact with those groups to consider mask use.
Those with concerns or issues in regards to the “masks optional” policy or other COVID-19 policies can contact Sinclair’s Ombudsman or Public Safety.
Carlos Jillson
Reporter