Dear U-M Ann Arbor Community Member,
As a result of the high vaccination rates among students, faculty and staff as well as improving conditions in the region, the COVID-19 Campus Health Response Committee is issuing new guidance regarding COVID-19 response on the University of Michigan campuses.
Effective March 14, 2022, masking will be optional in most indoor spaces on campus including in offices, residence halls and at athletic events.
Masks will remain required in classrooms and other instructional spaces (during class times), patient care areas, campus buses and in campus COVID-19 testing sites at least through the end of the winter term.
The Dearborn and Flint campuses will communicate this policy change directly to their respective campuses.
Mask use still is suggested as an effective strategy for enhanced personal protection, especially for those with compromised immune status, those who are not vaccinated or up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, and anyone with a perceived increased risk of complications from infection.
Please recognize and respect that some in the community will choose to continue to mask and should be empowered to do so. Please be kind and respectful of these personal choices.
The following additional guidance also is effective beginning March 14, 2022:
- The U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy remains in effect for the University community.
- It is expected that all individuals of the U-M community and guests stay home when they are not feeling well (do not attend work, class, gatherings or events).
- Individuals are expected to continue to use ResponsiBLUE and ResponsiBLUE Guest as a daily symptom checker.
- In-person gatherings and events may occur and food/drink can be provided. Continued use of ResponsiBLUE and ResponsiBLUE Guest is recommended for these events.
- Individuals attending indoor athletic events will no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.
- Non-university individuals who have on-campus residency for Spring/Summer programs will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result.
- Units can plan and implement their event plans at the local level; units are no longer required to submit event plans or summer programs for review by U-M’s Environment, Health & Safety or the Provost’s Office. Please refer to the U-M COVID-19 Guidelines for Campus Facilities for ideas of levels of risk associated with gatherings and events.
The changes are reflective of the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michigan Department of Human Health Services. As always, we will remain vigilant in monitoring the COVID-19 situation in our community and will revisit these guidelines accordingly.
For the latest information and updates related to COVID-19, please visit the Campus Maize and Blueprint: https://campusblueprint.umich.edu/.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Ernst
Associate Vice President of Student Life
Director of Campus COVID Response
Preeti Malani
U-M Chief Health Officer