Newton’s Lasell University Ends Some Covid Safety Requirements

Annie Sandoli
·1 min read

NEWTON, MA — Lasell University in Newton made changes to its COVID-19 protocols this week, including making masks optional and ending mandatory weekly tested for vaccinated students, faculty and staff.

The changes were made based on testing results and falling COVID-19 numbers both locally and nationally, said the school. They will go into effect on Saturday, Feb. 19.

As of Friday, Lasell has a vaccination and booster rate of over 98 percent, allowing them to make the following policy changes:

  • For all vaccinated members of the Lasell community, the campus is now “mask optional.”

  • Masks are still required during all classes. This policy will be reevaluated in the coming weeks.

  • Those who still choose to mask either inside or outside will be fully supported.

  • Weekly testing will no longer be mandatory for vaccinated students, faculty, and staff.

  • All members of the school community who wish to be tested for COVID-19 are welcome and encouraged to test at the testing center.

  • All members of the school community with an approved vaccine exemption must continue to be tested once per week and wear masks indoors at all times.

  • The use of wristbands for weekly testing compliance will be discontinued.

Lasell’s testing center will remain open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

"As throughout the pandemic, we will continue to monitor conditions on our campus and in the surrounding community and adjust our practices as circumstances dictate,” said the school in an announcement.

"Once again, thank you for all you have done and continue to do to make Lasell University one of the safest places in the entire country."

This article originally appeared on the Newton Patch