Modifying Morgan’s Indoor COVID-19 Protocols Amid Improving Conditions

Dear Morgan Community,

With consideration to current trending data on positive COVID-related cases on campus, locally and statewide, in addition to updated guidance from the CDC and in alignment with Baltimore City and the State of Maryland, the University has made the careful decision to modify some of its COVID-19 protocols on campus. Foremost among the newly adopted modifications is lifting the indoor mask requirement.

On the advice of the Morgan Campus Health Monitoring and Response Team (MCHMRT), as of this communication, the wearing of masks will no longer be required on campus except in the following locations:

• Classrooms (Instructional Settings): Masks will continue to be required in all classroom settings, including shared laboratory spaces and other instructional spaces. This measure remains in place out of an abundance of caution, given the increased density over a prolonged period in many instructional settings. Instructors may remove their masks while teaching, provided they maintain 6-feet of distance from others.
• Transportation: Masks will continue to be required on BEARtransit.
• Health Center/Testing Sites: Masks will continue to be required in all campus medical settings, including the University Health Center or Montebello Testing Site.

Although the decision has been made to no longer mandate that masks be worn on Morgan’s campus, the University still strongly encourages some members of our community to continue masking in public indoor spaces, particularly those individuals who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or not up to date with your vaccine (e.g. not fully vaccinated or in receipt of a booster shot). The University will continue to make KN95 masks available for pickup (Monday – Friday) at the following campus locations: CBEIS, University Student Center, Montebello Complex, and the Morgan Business Center. Wearing KN95 masks may offer an additional level of protection.

While not a mandate, it is highly recommended that every eligible member of the Morgan community receive a vaccine booster dose. Having your vaccination up to date can enhance your immunity and provide better protection against COVID-19-related disease.

Excluding the masking requirement, all other COVID-19 protocols will continue without interruption through the end of our current semester and as we prepare for the upcoming fall semester.  This includes:

• Mandatory Vaccinations: All students and employees on campus must get vaccinated or receive an exemption. New students must submit proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 or receive an approved vaccine exemption before you can receive a University housing assignment or attend in-person classes.
• Submitting a Negative Test Result: For new and returning students planning to move into congregate living in Morgan-sponsored housing, this means that you will need to produce a negative COVID test within 24-72 hours prior to moving into housing. Students will need to submit their negative test results to the University Health Center. 
• Testing for COVID: Weekly testing on campus is still mandatoryfor all employees and students with an approved exemption. Noncompliance with the testing mandate will lead to progressive disciplinary actions for both students and employees.

As has been the University’s practice since the onset of the pandemic, we will remain flexible and continue to monitor the ever-evolving landscape involving COVID. This includes actively assessing our status on campus and externally, in addition to maintaining ongoing communications with trusted public health authorities for the latest evidence-based advice. The safety of our Morgan community is a priority, and the University will continue to do all that is necessary to create a safe and healthy campus environment.

Your understanding and compliance are greatly appreciated throughout our collective navigation of these unique circumstances. Please continue to engage in safe practices and be mindful that although there have been improvements, the pandemic has yet to reach its conclusion.

Respectfully,

David K. Wilson
President