Updated Masking Policy

March 10, 2022

Dear Campus Community,

The State recently announced that it no longer requires universal masking in educational settings after March 11. In alignment with the California Department of Public Health recommendations, Cal-OSHA requirements, and in accordance with guidance from the Fresno County Department of Public Health, Fresno State will no longer require masks to be worn indoors beginning March 14 for students and employees who meet the following criteria:

• Have not been in close contact with someone ill with COVID-19 within the past ten days (vaccinated or not)
• Have not tested positive for COVID-19 within the past ten days (for those who exited isolation early after having tested negative after the 5th day of illness)

While masks will no longer be required, we strongly encourage their use, as face coverings are still a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19, especially in large group settings. We fully support and respect those who wish to continue wearing face coverings.

With a campus vaccination rate of over 90% and a case positivity rate trending significantly downwards (1.6% in the week ending March 4), we are confident that we can continue to maintain a safe and healthy campus environment. If the guidance from public health officials changes in the future, we may reinstate our mask mandate.

We will continue to encourage effective safety measures that include:

1. Promoting vaccine and booster clinics to increase our vaccination rates
2. Provide surgical grade or KN95 masks
3. Require mandatory testing for vaccine exempt individuals, and provide free and available home Rapid Antigen test kits and PCR testing for our entire campus community
4. Continuing the use of the online Daily Health Screening tool

Masks remain available at the locations noted on the COVID website. Departments may request supplies through the warehouse order form. Employees who would like a higher level of protection may request N95 masks using this process order form.

As previously shared, the campus is offering free at-home Rapid Antigen tests. These tests are intended to be used at home when experiencing symptoms and are an important tool for early detection of COVID-19. Home test kits will continue to be available at the following locations: Student Recreation Center (COVID Testing Center), Student Health and Counseling Center, Student Housing - Atrium, Library, and the University Student Union while supplies last.

Note: In accordance with CDPH requirements, individuals working and/or receiving services inside any campus medical facility and/or clinic (e.g. Student Health and Counseling Center; Gait, Balance and Mobility Clinic; Speech and Hearing Clinic) are required to continue following the clinic’s face covering requirements.

Sincerely,

Debbie Adishian-Astone
Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer