The University of Wisconsin system will lift its mask mandate for students and faculty in the coming weeks, according to a release from University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson.
According to the statement, Thompson is working with each schools’ chancellor to remove the requirement “as soon as March 1 and no later than spring break.”
“Wisconsin has one of the fastest rates of coronavirus decline in the country,” Thompson said. “While we will continue to take prudent prevention measures when warranted, restrictions can be lifted as case counts drop. Further, vaccinations and boosters are readily available to combat the virus that is much less severe for people who take this individual responsibility to protect themselves and others.”
Based on data compiled by the Mayo Clinic, the daily positive test rate in the state has plummeted over the last month, dropping approximately 14 percentage points.
Furthermore, the Wisconsin Department of Health details that more than 63 percent of residents in the state have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
On campus, schools have reported similar, low numbers. UW-Madison had 11 positive tests on Monday, and UW-Milwaukee has posted only 10 cases over the course of the week.
“Students should be able to cheer on sports teams, attend concerts and performances, and go to classes without masks when the conditions are right,” Thompson added.
“From the beginning, our faculty and staff were incredibly unified in the desire to put health and safety first while also delivering the education that students deserve and parents expect. The UW System universities have been leaders in this regard. We will continue to be, knowing that vaccinations and testing can provide great levels of safety and security for our students, employees, and university communities.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Wearing a Mask” by University of Wisconsin System.
