Reinstating the Simmons Indoor Mask Mandate - May 13, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

The Simmons COVID-19 Recovery Task Force has continued to monitor the latest COVID case numbers on campus and throughout the region. During the past several weeks, the number of positive COVID cases in our community has steadily increased, including in recent days.

As a result of rising COVID-19 positivity rates on campus, we are reinstating the indoor mask requirement at Simmons – effective Friday, May 13, 2022, until further notice. This also applies to all on-campus events including Senior Week or Commencement Week events. Students, faculty, and staff should wear a well-fitting KN95 or N95 mask if possible. Alternatively, you may wear a medical/surgical paper mask with a close-fitting cloth mask over it.

If you do not currently have a mask, a limited supply of KN95’s are available at the testing site located in the Special Functions Room (A-070, located on the ground floor of the Main College Building, near Fens Dining). The testing site will be open today until 6 p.m. and tomorrow, Friday, May 13, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Starting Monday, May 16, the testing site will be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

While our overall campus positivity rate is still relatively low (ranging between 1 and 3.5 percent in recent days), we are taking this proactive step now to help mitigate the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 Recovery Task Force is meeting next week to determine if any additional COVID protocols, including masking, will be required for Commencement. As a reminder, if you do not feel well, please stay home and consult with an appropriate health provider as needed.

The health and safety of our community continues to be our top priority, and we want to thank you for your commitment to following these updated protocols.

Thank you,
The COVID-19 Recovery Task Force