Face Mask Guidelines Update

To the University of Rochester Community,

In keeping with Governor Hochul’s decision to modify New York State face mask guidelines; and guided as well by recent CDC guidance, we have decided to modify masking policies in all non-medical parts of our campus.

 Beginning Friday, March 4, masking will be strongly encouraged, but no longer required, on most University of Rochester campuses. Masks are still required at the University of Rochester Medical Center, on the University shuttle service, and for those who have received exemptions from vaccination.

The Medical Center has separate masking policies and guidelines, which are available on the URMC Intranet site (login required).

Our epidemiologists and public health experts continue to emphasize that vaccinating, boosting, and masking are the best way to prevent COVID transmission. We recognize that wearing a face mask is an individual decision, whether by necessity or preference. We fully support those who continue to mask and expect the rest of our campus community to do the same.

We want to stress that if COVID circumstances suddenly change for the worse on campus or in the Rochester area we will revisit this policy. We haven’t eradicated COVID in our region, so we’re continuing to monitor public health statistics and CDC recommendations, and we will change course as circumstances warrant. Masks will still be available at locations on campus, and the most up-to-date face mask policies are always available on the University’s COVID-19 Resource Center.

In addition to the easing of masking guidelines, non-URMC faculty, staff, and students will no longer be required to complete the daily Dr. Chat Bot health screening prior to being on campus. Dr. Chat Bot screenings are still required for anyone entering the Medical Center.

COVID has presented us with many challenges over the last two years, and we are grateful to you for your continued patience as we navigate the twists and turns this pandemic has presented to us. We’ll continue to be flexible and adaptive to the latest public health and scientific findings, but we’re looking forward to a shared brighter future in the post-pandemic era.

With thanks, and be well,

Sarah C. Mangelsdorf
President and G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor