Pooja Shaunak
Reporter
After requiring masks in classrooms and shared spaces on campus for more than two years, Mississippi University for Women students can now attend classes and events without a mask.
COVID-19 cases have been falling across the state, and the risk of contracting the virus in Lowndes County is now classified as as low. The W campus follows CDC guidelines and recommended precautions, and, in step with those guidelines, masks are now optional in indoor spaces and classrooms, but still required in healthcare settings.
While many people welcomed having a choice of whether to wear a mask, others wonder if it’s too soon to lift the masking requirement.
“I feel like it was a hasty decision. They say Columbus is a low-risk area, but they didn’t consider that this is a college town,” said Britt Bigott, a senior Theatre Education major. “I am graduating next spring and probably won’t walk, but for anyone that is graduating, I think people should wear a mask. There will be so many in such a contained space. The spread is going to happen so much faster because the mask mandate has been lifted.”
With any disease outbreak, cases rise and fall. That’s been the case so far during the pandemic. With precautions being lifted, some people are concerned that cases will rise again because individuals are traveling, partying and going back to normal activities. Mea Ashley, the director of Student Life, sent an email to campus stating that all registered student organizations can resume “traditional format” for events but still must get approvals through the StudentLife website.
Alexis Montgomery, who is an East Mississippi admissions counselor at The W, has a cautious mindset toward the future.
“We are all feeling well in the office. We work closely and are close, so we would tell each other if we weren’t feeling well,” said Montgomery. “As an admissions counselor, I will still wear a mask so that the guests feel comfortable. Plus, sometimes I have to travel, and I want to ensure I am protecting everyone. I want parents, friends and potential new students to feel comfortable when they meet me.”
The university strongly encourages individuals to get vaccinated, and those who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a face covering. The university has also asked that people across campus support those who choose to continue wearing a mask. COVID-19 testing and vaccinations are offered at the Campus Health Center for no cost to MUW or MSMS students, faculty and staff.