As Keene State prepares to bring its community of students back to campus, it’s also preparing to bring back a tale as old as time: masks.
As the region’s cases of COVID-19, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remain elevated, Keene State College President Melinda Treadwell sent an email to the campus community Thursday morning announcing that masks will be required in classrooms for the first two weeks of the semester.
Masks are available in a central location in each Keene State classroom building – Alumni Center, Joslin, Redfern Arts Center, Living and Learning Commons, Huntress, Parker, Morrison, Rhodes, Elliot Center, Science Center and TDS.
“This requirement recognizes that students, faculty and staff are required to attend class and that our classes require extended time in close contact,” the email stated.
Treadwell stated in the email that this decision will be reassessed on Tuesday, Jan. 31. From there, the college will communicate with the campus community about any future precautions.
“I am very proud of our proactive response to keeping the community as healthy as possible. Thank you for your continued care for one another,” Treadwell stated in the email.
Treadwell also encouraged students to test for COVID-19 before returning to campus and the week of arrival, according to the Jan. 12 email.
For questions about campus COVID-19 protocol, email covidinfo@keene.edu.
Piper Pavelich can be contacted
at ppavelich@kscequinox.com
