University of Utah announces facemasks are no longer required to be worn

SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah announced Wednesday that facemasks will no longer be required to be worn inside campus buildings starting next Monday.

Recently, the CDC announced changes to its facemask guidelines. In those changes, cities – like Salt Lake City – that are in a “medium” risk for COVID-19 are no longer required to have mask requirements inside buildings.

University of Utah facemasks

As such, the University of Utah has aligned its policies to that of the CDC. Beginning March 14, when students and faculty return to campus from spring break, they will no longer be required to wear masks in inside buildings on the main campus. Additionally, the general public will not be required to wear masks in public facilities, including Natural History Museum of Utah, Pioneer Theatre and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

The university says those individuals who wish to continue to wear masks are encouraged to do so, especially those who are at risk for COVID-19.

No changes for health facilities

However, the new guideline changes do not apply to the University of Utah Medical Center and other health care facilities. For the protection of those individuals at high risk for COVID-19, all individuals must continue to wear a mask when inside a medical building. 

COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots will continue to be provided by the University of Utah health clinics. Self-test kiosks will remain available on campus through the end of the spring semester. 

The University of Utah also asks all individuals to remember the elderly, those who are immunocompromised and others who are still at high risk of COVID as the university returns to a normal state of operations.

Read more:

• University of Utah asks for COVID-19 tests ahead of return from fall break
• University of Utah hospitals among first to require COVID-19 vaccines for staff

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