To the Anna Maria College Community:
We continue to see a steady decline in all COVID-19 indicators both on campus and across the region. This good news along with our community’s high vaccination percentage allow us to further relax our pandemic protocols.
Beginning Monday morning (February 28, 2022) Anna Maria College will transition to a mask optional and test optional campus for all individuals. Details on these changes are outlined below. As a reminder, the College requires a COVID-19 booster. Please plan to get your booster if you have yet to do so.
This decision follows similar modifications underway across Massachusetts. The City of Worcester ended its indoor mask mandate on February 18th, and Governor Baker recently announced that the statewide mask mandate for childcare and K-12 schools would not be extended past the previously planned February 28, 2022 expiration date.
For individuals and visitors at Anna Maria, these changes mean that masks will no longer be required indoors, except in the health and counseling center.
- Anyone who chooses to can continue to wear a mask at their own discretion.
- COVID-19 positive individuals in COVID-19 isolation or those designated as close contacts positive must follow the isolation and quarantine guidance directed by medical personnel which includes wearing a mask in public for five more days after leaving isolation or quarantine on day 5, regardless of vaccination status.
- Area businesses, organizations and facilities may have varying mask requirements and we ask that you respect their rules.
- Certain settings, including transportation and health care facilities, still require masks for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.
- Everyone should continue to carry a mask with them at all times both as a courtesy to others and to be able to access any “mask-required” setting.
Surveillance COVID-19 testing will still be available but we are removing the weekly requirement for all asymptomatic individuals.
- Everyone will continue to have an option to be tested on campus. The Testing Center will remain open under the existing Monday-Thursday schedule initially, and we will notify you of future schedule changes.
- Testing for symptomatic individuals will still be required and coordinated by Health Services.
- Testing will continue to be available to athletes and others who need tests to participate in competitions or outside events. Coaches or program leaders will manage these arrangements.
These modifications reflect another significant step forward in returning to normal. The health and safety of the campus is our top priority and the College will continue to modify COVID-19 protocols as circumstances warrant.
This is another major shift for our community which has responded so well over the past two years to the uncertainly of COVID-19. Your cooperation throughout has helped bring us to the strong position we are in today. We ask that you continue to respect others’ concerns during this transition and remind everyone that resources are always available through Health and Counseling Services.
