Dear Mines Community,
Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) recently announced changes to their public mask mandate that go into effect at midnight tonight. Following the JCPH change, Mines is also modifying the campus mask policy effective Monday, February 14. Key elements of the revised mask policy are:
- Masks will continue to be required in all academic instructional spaces (classrooms, teaching labs and computer labs) during scheduled class times, regardless of vaccination status. Faculty will have the option to remove their masks while actively engaging in instructional activity.
- Masks are strongly encouraged but not required in all other indoor spaces and during non-class use of instructional spaces.
- Masks may still be required for large gatherings, special events, meetings or specifically designated spaces or buildings (e.g., Student Health Center and Testing Center) as posted. Event and meeting organizers, as well as facility managers, may require masks with approval from the appropriate VP. This requirement should be communicated on temporary signage posted in the space or in event promotions, including Daily Blast postings. Faculty and staff may also require masks during office hours and other meetings in their private offices.
- Community members receiving isolation or quarantine directives from the Mines COVID-19 Response Initiator Team (CRIT) are required to follow masking guidance as provided in their instructions.
We are grateful for how the Mines community has come together throughout the pandemic to follow Mines’ health protocols as those have changed in response to the evolving public health guidelines to adapt to the unique circumstances of our campus. From the beginning of the pandemic, our goals have been to protect the safety of our community, fulfill our education and research mission, and operate in-person. We are looking forward to being able to lift all indoor mask requirements later this semester pending public health guidance and data trends. While many local school districts have eliminated in-class mask requirements, we believe for now our revised policy is the appropriately balanced approach for the near-term.
Jefferson County Public Health and other health officials continue to strongly advocate for layering prevention strategies as the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. These strategies include:
- Get Vaccinated. If you have not received your vaccine or booster (if eligible) please do so as soon as possible. The next booster clinic on campus (Pfizer only) is Wednesday, February 16 in the Green Center. Register in advance using the code MINES2021 at https://signup.lifehealthevents.com/.
- Mask Up. Although masks will only be required inside classrooms and teaching and computer labs, JCPH and Mines still strongly recommend the use of masks in any indoor public settings. Further, use of N95 and KN95 masks is strongly encouraged, as they have higher levels of protection. Look for announcements soon in your email and the Daily Blast to obtain free KN95 masks on campus.
- Get Tested. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested as soon as possible, even if you are vaccinated. Free testing is available on campus via COVIDCheck Colorado.
- Take Everyday Prevention Steps. The things you do every day – like regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick – will help keep you and our community safe.
Thank you again for your patience, perseverance and cooperation as we continue to move forward through this pandemic as a strong and united community.
Best regards,
Paul Johnson, President
Rick Holz, Provost
Kirsten Volpi, EVP and COO
Dan Fox, VP Student Life
Peter Han, Chief of Staff