CDC Face Covering Update
Posted May 24, 2021
May 24, 2021
Campus Community,
On May 13, 2021, the CDC released updated guidance for the use of face coverings and physical distancing for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This communication will address guidance for face coverings and physical distancing at SIUE. Below are more detailed instructions.
We recognize that this is a transition, and that you may have additional questions. We are still considering what the most recent CDC guidance will mean for fall 2021 classes, other operations and activities, while we also anticipate additional changes in guidance from the state or federal level in the coming months. This information may be updated as we navigate evolving guidance.
Event and meeting organizers should review face covering and distancing guidelines with participants in advance of the start of the meeting. All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should have a mask readily available.
Masks
- Instructional and clinical spaces
- Masks are required regardless of vaccination status
- Public indoor spaces (lobbies, open spaces, walkways and organized events)
- Masks are required regardless of vaccination status
- Private or semi-private environments (offices, private meeting spaces, internal department conference rooms, and break rooms)
- Anyone should feel comfortable wearing a mask at any time
- If fully vaccinated, masks are optional
- If not fully vaccinated, masks are required except for those in an individual workspace where distancing can be maintained
- In all other instances, masks are required for those not fully vaccinated
- Mask wearing behaviors of participants should not be interpreted as vaccination status
- Outdoor spaces
- Anyone should feel comfortable wearing a mask at any time
- If fully vaccinated, masks are optional
- If not fully vaccinated, masks are optional if you can maintain distancing
- Mask wearing behaviors of participants should not be interpreted as vaccination status
- Cougar Shuttle and other public transportation
- Masks are required regardless of vaccination status
Distancing
- Indoor and outdoor spaces (non-clinical and non-instructional)
- If fully vaccinated, distancing is optional, though seating that is pre-positioned for appropriate physical distancing should not be moved
- If not fully vaccinated, distancing is required
- Distancing behaviors of participants should not be interpreted as vaccination status
Food and drink
- May be consumed in indoor private/semi-private environments and outdoor spaces and events
- May be consumed in some indoor public events and in indoor facilities where seats have been pre-positioned for appropriate physical distancing
It is recommended that eligible SIUE community members consider COVID-19 vaccination opportunities. Registration and scheduling can be completed now for eligible individuals 12 and older.
Compliance with this new CDC guidance is based upon the honor system. Supervisors may ask employees to voluntarily disclose their vaccination status or show proof of vaccination when it is relevant to determining the need for mask wearing in offices and meetings.
Employees are not required to share their vaccination status with their supervisor. If they do not share their status, they will need to follow the guidance outlined for individuals not fully vaccinated.
Best wishes,
Randy Pembrook, Chancellor
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Jessica Harris, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
