From: iucmedia on behalf of Suver, Mike via iucmedia

To: iucmedia@lists.service.ohio-state.edu
Subject: [iucmedia] BGSU Mask Announcement
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022 3:03:25 PM
Attachments: image001.png
~WRD0005.jpg
ATT00001.txt
ATT00001.txt

Hello everyone,
 
I had a couple ask for mask related announcements, so I am going to forward to you those that have been
sent to IUC.
 
Here is BGSU.
 
Mike
 
From: Alex Dominic Solis <asolis@bgsu.edu>
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 9:40 AM
To: Johnson, Bruce <johnson.3287@osu.edu>
Cc: Rodney K Rogers <rrogers@bgsu.edu>
Subject: FW: COVID-19: Face covering requirement to change Monday
 
Bruce—
 
I hope all is well! Rodney asked that I share the forthcoming COVID-19 face covering announcement that
will be released to the University community this morning.
 
Alex D. Solis '14
Deputy Chief of Staff
University Spokesperson   
Office of the President 
Bowling Green State University
220 McFall Center
Bowling Green, OH 43403
Office: 419-372-9452
 
 
From: BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers <president@email.bgsu.edu>
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 9:11 AM
To: Alex Dominic Solis <asolis@bgsu.edu>
Subject: [Proof 3] COVID-19: Face covering requirement to change Monday
   ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌
 
BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
 

February 26, 2022

Dear Alex,

Since the onset of this global pandemic, our students, faculty and staff stepped up. Life has
certainly changed since March 2020, but time and again, we have supported one another, and we
have been flexible and adaptable as we continue to navigate COVID-19. This has not just required
a commitment from our community, but the personal responsibility of each of us.

The latest Omicron variant has spread across the globe, and it appears we have seen its peak both
nationally and locally. In Wood County alone, our reported cases are significantly less than the start
of the year, our latest dashboard shows just 11 cases and we are unaware of any hospitalizations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance yesterday and
developed a new tool, COVID-19 County Community Levels, to inform prevention and mitigation
strategies. The new county levels can be low, medium or high and are determined by assessing the
local hospital beds being used, hospital admissions by COVID-19 patients and the total number of
new COVID-19 cases in local areas.

Recommended precautions are now tied to these risk levels. At the low and medium levels,
universal indoor masking is no longer recommended as a public health practice, including in
classrooms and residence halls. However, individuals may choose to wear face coverings at any
time.

Everyone is encouraged to continue to stay updated on their COVID-19 vaccinations and get tested
if experiencing symptoms. If you are high-risk for severe illness, please connect with your health
care provider about whether you need to wear a face covering and take other precautions. Wood
County is at a medium (yellow) risk level and Erie County is at a low (green) risk level.
Neither of our campuses are at a high (red) risk level.

With the updated guidance from the CDC and our local health departments, we are updating our
face covering practices.

Effective Monday, BGSU will no longer require face coverings on its campuses.
 We have been and continue to move toward an endemic. We will continue to monitor the impact
COVID-19 has on our community, and we will adjust our public health measures as needed in the
future. We have high vaccination rates among our students, faculty and staff, in fact, more than our
region and state. We have KN95 and N95 masks available, along with access to vaccines and fast
and reliable testing. We will be updating our COVID-19 website, and if you have any questions,
you may reach out to health@bgsu.edu.

Throughout this global pandemic, we have constantly focused on a balanced approach, and we are
here today because of the power and will of humankind. Our position to tackle what’s next with
this virus reaffirms the success we see right here in Bowling Green, Huron and across Ohio and the
nation. The change in our face covering practices does not mark the end of this global pandemic.
However, let's take a moment to celebrate this progress, which truly demonstrates the power of
education, scholarship, research, technology and innovation. Progress that would not have
happened without the educational and research activities of colleges and universities and their
graduates throughout our nation and the world.

COVID-19 continues to be a journey. We have heard from every side of every argument, from
current students, faculty and staff to our parents and families, alumni and community members.
Their perspectives have certainly kept us grounded, but we always came back to a balanced
approach. Like we have done throughout the past two years, we ask you to be flexible and
adaptable, be kind and have common respect for those who choose or do not choose to wear a face
covering. We will continue – we must continue – to find a way forward, together.

Regards,

Rodney K. Rogers, Ph.D.

President

Benjamin M. Batey, MPH, RN

Chief Health and Wellness Officer

 
 220 McFall Center | Bowling Green, Ohio 43403‑0010 | 419‑372‑2211 | president@bgsu.edu

 
From: iucmedia on behalf of Suver, Mike via iucmedia
To: iucmedia@lists.service.ohio-state.edu
Subject: [iucmedia] KSU Mask Announcement
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022 3:07:35 PM
Attachments: Changing Face Mask Guidelines.pdf
ATT00001.txt

Here is KSU’s.  This is the last I’ve received and it was just sent to their campus community today.
 
 
Mike Suver
Vice President, Government Relations
Inter-University Council of Ohio
10 W. Broad St., Suite 450
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614.464.1266
Fax: 614.464.9281
 
 
 
 
 
From: iucmedia on behalf of Suver, Mike via iucmedia
To: iucmedia@lists.service.ohio-state.edu
Subject: [iucmedia] MU Mask Announcement
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022 3:06:59 PM
Attachments: ~WRD1864.jpg
ATT00001.txt
ATT00001.txt

Here is Miami’s…….
 
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: COVID Response Team <covid19@miamioh.edu>
Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2022 at 12:54 PM
Subject: Covid Update for March 2, 2022
 

Hello Miami community,

 
Last week the CDC modified its guidelines related to masks, and Butler County is
currently listed as a medium risk area. The City of Oxford’s mask ordinance also
expired yesterday. Given those developments, we are changing our masking
requirement on campus. 
 
Masks
As of today, masks will only remain required in classrooms during instruction,
laboratory or other research settings, and in healthcare settings. Masks are
recommended in other indoor spaces, particularly if you or people you interact with
are known to be immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness, or as a
kindness if others request it of you. (Please note that BRCTA will continue to require
masks on buses until the order from the TSA regarding public transportation
changes.)
 
We know that people have different levels of comfort regarding risk and masks, and
we should each be sensitive to and respect differences of opinion on this topic. We
have spent the better part of the last two years masked in public, and it will take time
for some of us to feel comfortable reducing our use of masks. Some may choose to
remain masked to protect themselves or those close to them. If you choose to
continue masking, an N95 or KN95 mask offers a particularly high level of protection
for the wearer.
 
While masks will only be required in classrooms, labs/research settings, and
healthcare settings, you may wish to communicate your preference that visitors to
your office or residence hall room wear a mask. It’s best to let guests know you prefer
masks ahead of their visit. You can also print and post this sign on your door. 
 
Please do what feels right for you, and respect that others may make different
decisions. We have all experienced the pandemic differently and will all experience
the new state of an endemic differently as well.
 
We will continue to monitor the risk level in our community. There may be times when
we move back to the high risk category and we will need to restore the full campus
mask requirement for a time. Stay tuned here each week and we will communicate
any change in our status.
 
Please see our FAQs for additional information about the mask requirement at the
end of this message and on our website. 
 
Testing
With spring break just over two weeks away, now is the time to pick up at least two at-
home antigen tests, one to use before you leave campus and another just before you
return. At-home antigen tests are available while supplies last to those with a Miami
ID on the Oxford and Regional campuses. You can also order four free at-home tests
through the mail from the federal government. Students covered by Miami’s student
health plan (Aetna) and employees covered by Miami’s employee health plan
(Anthem) can also be reimbursed for over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
Please pay out of pocket at the time of purchase and keep your receipt to submit a
claim online. 

o    Students: Learn more and log in at aetna.com.

o    Employees:
Log in to anthem.com, go to Claims & Payment, and choose
Submit a Claim.
 
Check your email for an invitation to participate in free surveillance testing from
covidtesting@miamioh.edu. While your participation in surveillance testing is not
required, it is strongly encouraged. 
 
Q&I
There have been no changes to the Q&I process since our last update. 
 
Quick Links:

·  Vaccine and booster reporting for students 

·  Vaccine and booster reporting for employees

·  TriHealth COVID-19 booster clinics 

·  TriHealth flu clinics

·  COVID-19 Dashboard 

·  Academic support: Rinella Learning Center (Oxford); Student Counseling

Service or Tutoring and Learning Center(TLC) (Regionals).

·  Previous messages
 
Thank you all,
 
COVID-19 Response Team
---------
 
Masking FAQ
 

1.    Why are masks still required in the classroom during instruction? 

The decision was made to maintain a mask requirement during classes for two
primary reasons: 

·         Students
and faculty have fewer opportunities to physically distance
themselves in a classroom compared to other spaces across campus,
and in these settings, they are stationary for prolonged periods of time. 

·         Students
and faculty are required to occupy the classroom setting
unlike most other indoor spaces across campus where people have
greater agency and flexibility to decide if/how/when they choose to enter
the space.
 
2.            I am in a student organization that meets in a classroom in the evenings. Are
our members required to wear masks?

When we say “required in the classroom,” it means during class with an

instructor, rather than referring to the physical space. Since student
organizations are optional in ways that classes are not, you are not required to
wear masks in that setting. It is up to your organization to decide.
 
3.            Is this decision permanent or will we have to wear masks again? How will the
decision to resume mask-wearing be made?

This decision is not permanent; we will adjust to changing conditions. We will

continue to monitor the risk level in our community, and there may be times
when we move back to the high risk category and we will need to restore the
mask requirement for a time. Just as we put away our winter coats with a
stretch of warm weather, we know that there are times we will need to get
them out again if temperatures drop. Masks will be the same. Alternatively, we
hope to reach a time when all requirements can be lifted. The COVID
Management team will continue to monitor the risk level in our community and
adjust accordingly.  
 
4.            I am upset by this decision and do not agree. Who can I contact about this?

We know that there is no policy related to masking that everyone will agree
with, but this is the decision. If you wish to share your thoughts, you may email
covid19@miamioh.edu. We may not respond to every message or call in order
From: iucmedia on behalf of Suver, Mike via iucmedia
To: iucmedia@lists.service.ohio-state.edu
Subject: [iucmedia] NEOMED Mask Announcement
Date: Monday, March 7, 2022 12:15:05 PM
Attachments: ATT00001.txt

Hello everyone,
 
Here is Neomed’s announcement.
 
 
Mike Suver
Vice President, Government Relations
Inter-University Council of Ohio
10 W. Broad St., Suite 450
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614.464.1266
Fax: 614.464.9281
 
 
From: President's Office <presidentsoffice@neomed.edu>
Sent: Friday, March 4, 2022 8:57 AM
Subject: Updates Related to Masks on NEOMED's Campus
 
Dear NEOMED Community:
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance last week to help
communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. County levels can be
low, medium or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions
and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.
 
The Portage County community level is low. In following new CDC guidelines, masks are no longer
required on campus -- including in academic spaces -- and NEOMED no longer has Mandatory Face
Mask Zones, effective immediately. 
 
Please note that patient care areas in the NEW Center will follow CDC instructions for clinical sites,
which may be more stringent. Of course, your safety is our first priority and individuals may use
safety measures such as masking, handwashing and limited engagement as they feel comfortable.   
 
Thank you for all you have done to make this pivotal change possible.
 
Sincerely,
 
John T. Langell
President
 
From: iucmedia on behalf of Suver, Mike via iucmedia
To: iucmedia@lists.service.ohio-state.edu
Subject: [iucmedia] OSU Mask Announcement
Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2022 10:20:26 AM
Attachments: image001.png
ATT00001.txt

Hello everyone.  Here is OSU’s new policy for your collection.

 
 
Here’s our official mask announcement: https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-news-alert-masks-now-
optional-in-most-university-spaces/
 
All the best.

Chris Booker
Associate Director
Office of Marketing and Communications
Media and PR
370E Bricker Hall
190 N. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43201
614.292.7276 Office / Mobile
booker.9@osu.edu / news.osu.edu
 
 
Mike Suver
Vice President, Government Relations
Inter-University Council of Ohio
10 W. Broad St., Suite 450
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614.464.1266
Fax: 614.464.9281
 
 
From: iucmedia on behalf of Suver, Mike via iucmedia
To: iucmedia@lists.service.ohio-state.edu
Subject: [iucmedia] OU Mask Announcement
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022 3:05:36 PM
Attachments: ~WRD0056.jpg
ATT00001.txt

Here is OU’s….
 
 
Mike Suver
Vice President, Government Relations
Inter-University Council of Ohio
10 W. Broad St., Suite 450
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614.464.1266
Fax: 614.464.9281
 
 
 

Image removed by sender. ohio university logo

Ohio University announces updated mask guidance

Mar 01, 2022

Dear University Community,

We are writing today to share next steps in our transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based
on new guidance issued on Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
metrics for our communities indicate we are in a position to relax certain prevention protocols on
most of our campuses.  

The new COVID-19 Community Levels – low, medium and high – take into consideration
community hospitalization rates, strain on local health systems, and local case rates. CDC
measures COVID-19 levels by county and recommends individual and community precautions –
including masking.

Our cases have continued to trend down since January 5, a pattern that is happening across
the United States. The sustained downward trend in COVID-19 transmission on OHIO campuses,
paired with this new CDC guidance and OHIO’s strong COVID-19 vaccination rate, gives us the
confidence to relax face covering requirements on OHIO campuses.
Effective immediately, masks are no longer required in most non-classroom public spaces on
OHIO campuses located in counties with low or medium COVID-19 community levels. In
accordance with CDC guidance, masks are required in all indoor public places in counties with a
high COVID-19 community level.

Currently, all OHIO campuses are in counties with low or medium COVID-19 community levels,
except for the Chillicothe and Southern campuses, where masks are still required in all indoor
public spaces due to being in counties with a high community level. Students, faculty, and staff on
the Cleveland campus should note the Cleveland Clinic still requires masking in public places.

Masks are still required in classrooms, laboratories, studios and clinical settings as well as on
campus transportation regardless of COVID-19 community level.  The Ohio University Child
Development Center will continue to require masks as well.   Individual campus events may have
additional masking requirements based on policies in place with participating organizations or
contracted performers.

The CDC advises that individuals with certain medical conditions or who live with someone
who is at risk for severe illness consult with their health care provider about masking in counties
with a medium COVID-19 community level. Anyone is welcome to wear a mask to protect
themselves and others from disease transmission.

The CDC created this new guidance to provide communities and individuals the flexibility to
increase and relax precautions based on local conditions and personal risk factors. We will
continue to follow CDC guidance and monitor community levels, adjusting protocols as
appropriate.

As is recommended by CDC, we have the following public health measures in place, which are
available to all students, faculty, and staff:

High-filtration masks
Access to COVID-19 testing
Availability of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
Using these tools to prevent transmission will help our campuses reduce the case rates and
health care system impacts that determine COVID-19 community levels.

This pandemic has required that each of us adapt fundamental work, family, and social activities
to a rapidly changing environment. The OHIO community has risen to these challenges with
creativity, resolve and collaboration, and we are thankful for the role each of you has played in
keeping our communities safe.

Moving forward, it is important for each of us to remember that we have colleagues and friends
that may be at higher risk for serious illness or live with a family member who is at high risk. We
hope we will all be kind and respectful to one another as we navigate this new phase of the
pandemic.

Sincerely,

Hugh Sherman, Ph.D.

President

Dr. Ken Johnson

Chief Medical Affairs Officer
Executive Dean, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Gillian Ice

Special Assistant to the President for Public Health Operations
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