By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Missouri Western State University has lifted its mask mandate.
University officials had required masks to be worn while in indoor, public spaces on the St. Joseph campus during the fall semester. Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy sent an email to the campus community late Friday afternoon, stating face coverings will be encouraged, but not required.
Kennedy writes the revised policy comes after the university COVID-19 Response Team reviewed the latest coronavirus data for the area along with CDC guidance on masks. The Buchanan County positivity rate has fallen for eight straight weeks, now below 5% at 4.73%.
Hospitalizations continue to fall, as well.
Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating only 10 COVID-19 patients in its system as of Sunday, all at the St. Joseph hospital. Coronavirus cases on the Missouri Western campus have been falling with Kennedy stating there have been no active COVID-19 cases for more than a week.
Through the Max the Vax incentive program, 29% of students and 85% of employees have been vaccinated, according to Kennedy. The university continues to encourage vaccinations. Another vaccine clinic will be held next week.
Kennedy writes the COVID-19 Response Team will continue to meet weekly to review data and adjust mitigation strategies, including the campus face covering policy, as warranted.
The decision came in time for Homecoming Week festivities at Missouri Western.