College of Wooster implements mask mandate following COVID-19 outbreaks

Bryce Buyakie, The Daily Record
·2 min read
College of Wooster students wear face masks as they cross the campus. The college renewed its face mask policy this week after recent outbreaks of COVID-19.
College of Wooster students wear face masks as they cross the campus. The college renewed its face mask policy this week after recent outbreaks of COVID-19.
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WOOSTER – The College of Wooster instituted a mask mandate this week following an outbreak of COVID-19 among students.

President Sarah Bolton told students in an email that 25 students, faculty and staff tested positive between April 24 and April 30. Another 11 tested positive this past week.

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"Nearly all of these were associated with two clusters, and we did not see broader transmission," Bolton told the campus community.

The recent 11 cases were also contained in clusters.

To mitigate any further transmission, Bolton announced on Wednesday, May 4, a limited mask mandate through finals in the second full week of May. Mask protocols will be updated on May 12 for commencement weekend.

"We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution," she said. "High-quality masks continue to be available at the libraries, dining halls, and academic buildings."

Students and faculty do not need to wear masks in residence halls or when exercising, Bolton said. Staff and faculty may unmask when working alone in their office.

"Our Longbrake Wellness Center reports that there are several illnesses circulating at present, so not all symptoms are COVID," she said.

State of COVID-19 in Wayne County

The College of Wooster campus has numerous signs telling everyone to wear masks when they are crossing campus due to recent outbreaks of COVID-19.
The College of Wooster campus has numerous signs telling everyone to wear masks when they are crossing campus due to recent outbreaks of COVID-19.

COVID-19 cases remain low in Wayne County, especially compared to the holiday highs between October and late January.

Between April 24 and April 30, there were 50 new cases reported in the county, according to the Wayne County Health Department's weekly report. That's 10 more than the previous week, which saw 40 new cases.

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Over the last two weeks, two people were hospitalized for COVID-related complications.

The health department reported coronavirus-related deaths in those two weeks.

Reach Bryce by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com

On Twitter: @Bryce_Buyakie

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Mask mandate back at the College of Wooster after COVID outbreaks