COVID protocol changes made due to CDC guidelines, Garrett County’s low vaccination rate
Garrett College will be reinstituting a universal indoor face mask requirement at all Garrett College locations effective Monday, August 23rd. This decision is a result of reviewing the latest CDC guidance, and after consultation with local health officials, according to College administration.
This requirement is for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Many factors contributed to this decision, including Garrett County’s relatively low vaccination rate (46% of those 12 and older) and its status as a county with a substantial level of community transmission. The CDC is now recommending wearing face masks indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
“If you have not already received the COVID vaccine, I strongly urge you consider doing so.,” remarked Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president, via a Monday morning email to College employees. “According to the Maryland Department of Health, less than 0.12% of fully vaccinated Maryland residents have later tested positive for COVID-19, with hospitalizations/deaths of vaccinated individuals even more rare.”
The universal face mask requirement will remain in effect until available guidance indicates it is no longer necessary as a COVID mitigation strategy.
Completion of the daily health self-assessment screening also remains in effect for employees, students, and campus visitors. This activity was designed to help support symptom screening and aid the College in contact tracing efforts as necessary. The screening is available at https://www.garrettcollege.edu/daily-health, and should be completed daily prior to coming on campus.
For the most up-to-date information on Garrett College’s response to COVID-19, visit www.garrettcollege.edu/covid-19.
