Campus masking requirement will end on March 20
Yakima Valley College will end its campus-wide indoor masking requirement on March 20, following the state’s decision to end the masking requirement for K-12 schools and most businesses as COVID-19 cases recede in the Yakima Valley and across Washington State. The decision was made in consultation with members of the college community and informed by county health data provided by the Washington State Department of Health. YVC will continue to support individual masking decisions by anyone on campus.
In addition, starting on March 20, the college will no longer require students, employees or visitors to complete a health assessment when coming to campus or to observe 3-foot physical distancing. YVC’s current COVID protocols, which require masking indoors, will remain in place until March 20. In addition, masking will continue to be required after March 20 in YVC’s dental hygiene clinic in accordance with Washington state requirements for health care facilities.
“This decision was made after careful consideration and with a sincere commitment to the health and safety of our campus community,” YVC President Linda Kaminski said. “As always, our college will continue to monitor the data, listen to health professionals and confer with members of our community.”
Kaminski thanked members of the campus community for being diligent in following campus safety protocols over the past two years and protecting the safety of the entire community.
“The efforts by all of our students, faculty and staff have contributed to helping our community make significant progress as the Omicron wave recedes,” Kaminski said.
YVC will continue to follow the CDC’s guidance regarding quarantine and isolation periods for COVID-19 positive tests and exposure. Individuals should not come to campus if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. The college also continues to urge members of the campus community to get vaccinated and receive boosters as the best way to reduce the chance of infection and serious illness.
Press Release Contacts:
Dustin Wunderlich / 509.574.6870 / dwunderlich@yvcc.edu
Stefanie Menard / 509.574.4646 / smenard@yvcc.edu