According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Suffolk and Middlesex counties have a low COVID-19 community level. COVID-19 is still circulating among us—but the risk it poses for the health of our community can be managed. Given the current low level of community risk, high levels of vaccination in the Harvard community and Massachusetts as a whole, wide availability of COVID therapeutics, upcoming covid vaccine boosters, the cost to our educational mission of mandating masking outweighs the marginal benefit to our community.
While optional in all settings—except for healthcare—we encourage carrying a mask at all times and recommend voluntary masking in crowded settings, especially indoors. The availability of N95 and KN95 masks allows those at the highest risk—and their loved ones—to effectively protect themselves.
To reduce risk, wear a high-quality, well-fitted mask in crowded indoor settings, including on planes and public transit. Be prepared; always carry a mask. If you feel the need to wear a mask for your own protection, or to protect someone close to you, you should do so. Nobody should be made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or marginalized because they choose to wear or not wear a mask in a mask-optional setting. Remember that some members of our community, or their family members and other loved ones, are vulnerable to complications from COVID-19 and should continue to wear a mask. Anyone with symptoms or known exposure should continue to test and follow Harvard University guidelines for COVID-19 exposure.
Faculty with a disability or other physical or mental health condition that they think will impact their ability to be present on campus should contact their Faculty Affairs representative or University Disability Resources (disabilityresources@harvard.edu) as soon as possible to request an accommodation or an exemption to the requirement to be present on campus. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.