Anticipating the start of the fall semester, the University of Idaho has finalized COVID-19 protocols, now requiring masks on campus, effective immediately.
In the email sent by UI President Scott Green and Provost and Executive Vice President Torrey Lawrence, protocols were clarified with the consideration of much of Idaho being labelled as “high transmission” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Aug. 9, this includes Latah county.
Latah’s current case number is 131 according to the CDC. This is a 34% increase of cases in just the past week.
UI’s move to require masks is joined by other Idaho’s four-year public schools, Boise State University and Idaho State University. Lewis-Clark State College is yet to decide.
While masks are now required in university buildings,other UI policies remain the same. Vaccines remain a recommendation, not a requirement. As Green noted, state institutions cannot require vaccines due to an executive order. Classroom capacities have not changed and in person classes will not be transitioning online.
According to Jodi Walker, UI senior director of communications, social distancing measures such as limited seating or lines places six feet apart will not be implemented.
“We recommend people keep social distancing in mind, but there will not be markings,” Walker said.
COVID-19 tests will not be required for class attendance or provided on campus. Without free testing on campus, students are recommended to contact their healthcare providers instead. Appointments can also be made at the Vandal Health Clinic on campus.
Isolation unit Targhee Hall will still be available on campus to isolate students who test positive. Students should report their positive results through a VandalCare Report.
Those living on campus, in residence halls or in Greek houses, are expected to isolate at Targhee if exposed. Students, staff and faculty living off campus are expected to quarantine at home.
Students will be required to wear masks in residence halls as well, though guest policies will no longer restrict visitors from outside the building.
Grab-and-go options will once again be provided at the ISUB and dining hall for takeout. Last semester some areas of campus no longer allowed food, but according to Walker, such restrictions will not be returning.
This article has been corrected to reflect LCSC’s current standing with masks. Walker’s official title has also been corrected.
Haadiya Tariq can be reached at [email protected] or at @haadiyatariq on Twitter