Central Michigan University said Monday that it will continue requiring masks in some situations on campus, even as the state government announced plans to lift that requirement for everyone starting Tuesday.
Colleges and universities across Michigan have been updating their pandemic rules for the coming school year. Some will require vaccinations. Others, like CMU, which released its updated rules Monday, will not require vaccines, but will continue requiring masks in some settings.
CMU said that all people -- regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated -- will need to wear masks during in-person classes and in communal areas like hallways and lobbies.
University president Bob Davies said the continued precaution is necessary because of the relatively low number of college-age people who have been vaccinated.
Data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services show that more than 70% of people age 65 and older are fully vaccinated, but barely 30% of people between 20 and 29 years old have gotten their shots.
Davies said even though the state is rolling back many of its restrictions meant to slow the spread of the pandemic, employers can still keep their own rules in place.
CMU will maintain its stricter rules to protect students, faculty and staff, Davies said -- though he added that things could change: the university will “closely monitor changes, evaluate our circumstances and adapt our plans and practices accordingly.”
