Masks mandate requires all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in public indoor spaces

Dear Saint Mary’s Students,

As you know, the health and well being of our campus community remains our highest priority. We continuously monitor public health guidance and best practices so that we might pivot effectively should conditions change on campus or in our region. You might have seen that this week the Bay Area county public health officials collectively announced an indoor mask mandate effective August 3 to help mitigate the spread of the Delta variant of the Coronavirus. This mandate requires all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in public indoor spaces. Click here to read the entire Contra Costa County Health Order. 

We all want to stay on campus and stay healthy and that will take all of us to make this possible. At SMC, all individuals regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks while indoors. Building signage reflecting the new county health order is in place and all persons on campus are expected to comply with this new mandate. Removing face coverings while actively eating or drinking is acceptable. In addition, we are continuing to expand the accessibility of our outdoor spaces, including eating and classroom spaces. 

Vaccines remain the most powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19, including the Delta variant. Bay Area health officials urge all unvaccinated residents 12 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible. As previously communicated, in order to comply with the SMC Vaccination Requirement all students must verify their vaccination status or obtain a religious or medical exemption through the Vaccine Portal in order to come to campus this Fall. For more information about COVID-19 and how to get a free vaccine near you, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.

Be safe, wear your masks, and let’s all do our part to keep each other well! Go Gaels!

In Community, 

Dai To, Ph.D.

Executive Director of Wellness