March 7, 2022

UAF faculty and staff,

All UAF campuses are in “yellow” status for COVID-19 this week, which indicates a medium level of risk. As explained in a March 2 update from Chancellor White, that status removes the masking requirement in many indoor spaces, including offices and most buildings.

This week UAF’s COVID Business Continuity Team has reviewed and updated some requirements during yellow status:

• The mask requirement in classrooms will remain in place during spring break and for at least the two weeks following the break. This will help to monitor the case numbers and assess the situation before any changes are made to the mask requirements in instructional spaces.
• Effective immediately, masking will be optional for UAF employees and students in research labs.
• Masks will be required in the Student Health and Counseling Center, since relaxed masking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control currently doesn’t include health care facilities.
• Masks are also required in the Bunnell House Early Childhood Lab School, a facility that serves young children.
• An update to UAF’s masking policy for public events will be announced later this week.

Regardless of UAF’s COVID-19 status, you may continue wearing a mask if that is your personal preference. It is also acceptable to ask others to wear a mask in your presence, although masking will continue to be an individual decision in areas where it is optional. Whether people choose to mask or not, please be respectful of their choice.

The status of UAF’s campuses will be updated each Friday using CDC guidance. Please visit the COVID website for more information about UAF’s ongoing COVID-19 response.