U of M Chimes in on Missoula Mask Mandate
A week ago on May 10th, the Missoula County Health Department declared that masks were no longer required in Missoula County, just recommended. Shortly after, the CDC announced that masking was no longer required for people who have been fully vaccinated. Despite the lifting of the mask mandate, some of the places still requiring masks include, but are not limited to:
Hospitals and healthcare facilities, MCPS and child care facilities, Missoula International Airport, Mountain Line buses, Federal buildings, some local government offices, particularly those with high public usage, and private businesses, stores, and restaurants that choose to require masks.
Places that still require masks are welcome to display the attached notice.
The University of Montana was on the list of places still requiring masks, but this morning the UM COVID Team shared that the mask requirement for the Montana University System is now a recommendation. Montana campuses will consult relevant authorities and guidance at the local, state and federal levels when developing ongoing guidance related to masks.
Masks will no longer be required on the UM campus, with the exception of Curry Heath Center, which will still require patients and staff to wear masks. Per CDC guidelines, they recommend that unvaccinated individuals continue to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors when in close contact (less than 6 feet) from others. Updates to the mask policy, coronavirus website and related procedures are underway. With restrictions on masks, events and other spaces being relaxed or lifted, now is the time to make plans to receive a COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already done so.