Dear Salem State Community,
This week our residence halls, dining halls, and the Gassett Fitness Center transitioned to a mask-flexible environment. Thank you to all community members that helped to make this transition go as smoothly as possible.
While we had planned to extend the mask-flexible policy to classrooms beginning next week, March 7, 2022, members of our community have posed questions regarding protocols and best practices for how to implement this masking change safely.
In an effort to address these concerns, we will be waiting until Monday, March 21, to transition classrooms to a mask-flexible environment. This is the Monday after spring break. During this period, there will be opportunities for community members to ask their questions.
This short delay applies to classrooms only. Non-classroom spaces including lobbies, hallways, lounges, meeting rooms, offices and most events* will begin to transition to a mask-flexible environment on Monday, March 7, as planned. Please note that individual offices and workspaces may require mask wearing during this time based upon the occupant’s request. For this reason we strongly encourage all community members to have a mask available in case it is needed. (*events are subject to review by our COVID-19 safety team leaders Elisa Castillo and Gene Labonte)
We know that there are strong feelings about masks, and that some members of our community may feel be disappointed by this delay, and some members may feel relieved.
Regardless of how you feel about masks we ask that you treat each other with kindness, care and respect.
It has been a challenging time for all of us. We will get through it together.
Sincerely,
John D. Keenan
President