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August 20, 2021 — Washington State Mask Mandate

Dear Whitman community,

Earlier this week, Governor Jay Inslee announced that beginning Monday, August 23 Washington will resume a state-wide mask mandate for all indoor public spaces. This order is very consistent with the mask requirement we already have in place at Whitman, so I want to take just a minute to reiterate where, when and how masks should be worn on our campus.

Every person, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask at all times inside campus buildings. There are a limited number of exceptions as specifically outlined below:

  • Residence Halls

    • Masks are required in all common areas except when bathing, brushing teeth or other personal hygiene activities that necessitate removal of the mask, or when actively eating or drinking.

    • Masks are not required when an individual is alone in their residence hall room or with only their roommate. If any visitor enters a residence hall room all people present must be masked.

  • Office and Academic Buildings

    • A fully vaccinated individual may remove their mask if they are working alone in an office space with the door closed. If your office door is open, if any other person is present or if people are working in shared spaces, masks must be worn by all individuals regardless of vaccination status.

    • Masks may be removed when actively eating or drinking in a lounge or other common space.

  • Athletics

    • Coaches and student-athletes may remove face masks while actively coaching, playing or training. Masks must be worn when on the bench or sidelines.

    • Masks are required in campus fitness facilities, but may be removed for swimming or other water sports or recreation.

  • Performing Arts: masks may be removed when actively engaged in a performing arts performance.

  • Masks may be removed when any party to a conversation is deaf or hard of hearing and not wearing a face covering is essential to communication.

Masks are not required for outdoor activities and events; however, we strongly encourage you to wear a face covering when in a crowded outdoor setting where it is not possible to maintain at least 3 ft. of distance from others.

A mask should completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against your cheeks, chin and the sides of your face. A nose bridge and adjustable ear loops can help significantly in improving mask fit. Multiple layers of fabric are strongly recommended for cloth masks; N95 and KN95 provide even higher levels of protection than cloth masks. Masks should be free from holes, rips or other signs of wear, and should be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions after each use.

Thank you for wearing your mask properly as we build our layers of COVID-19 protection at Whitman.

Best,
Peter Harvey
Chair, Coronavirus Task Force

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