SUNY Oswego returns to ‘mask optional’ status as CDC downgrades county’s transmission rate to low

CDC has downgraded Oswego County's transmission rate to low effective today (May 27, 2022). Based on this guidance from the CDC, the Oswego County Health Department, and the low number of COVID-19 cases on campus and in the region, SUNY Oswego has returned to a mask optional status* for fully vaccinated and boosted individuals.

*This decision is subject to change at any time depending on evolving metrics and conditions. If infection numbers increase, we may reinstate the mask mandate on campus.

Beginning today, May 27, 2022, SUNY Oswego will no longer require those who are fully vaccinated and boosted to wear masks on campus except under certain circumstances as outlined below.

If you are fully vaccinated and have received your booster shot, you are no longer required to wear a mask, except if/when:

• in an instructional setting when required by the instructor
• in an office where required
• in a healthcare setting (e.g., Mary Walker Health Center, COVID-19 testing center, on-campus vaccination clinic, etc.)
• while riding on Centro buses and public transportation
• in an indoor gathering of 5,000 or more individuals
• you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. In this case, you are required to wear a mask, get tested immediately and quarantine while you await results.
• you are in quarantine or isolation (e.g., you will also be required to mask for five days after ending isolation, days 6-10).

If you are unvaccinated or if you have not yet received your booster (if eligible), you are responsible for continuing to wear masks on campus and should, where practicable, continue to observe social distancing in indoor settings, such as instructional space (e.g., classrooms, laboratories, studios).

Please Respect Others
It is important to remember that some members of the campus community (students, faculty, staff, and visitors/guests) may choose to continue wearing face masks for any number of reasons. For example, some people have found that masking reduces allergies. Other individuals value masking as a way to remain healthy and prevent other respiratory illnesses. Some may just feel more comfortable wearing a mask. In addition, a mask should not be interpreted as a symbol of vaccination status. Welcoming and accepting those who wear masks on campus is an important part of being a caring and respectful community.

Thank you,

Mary C. Toale, Ed.D.
Officer in Charge