Polk State strongly recommending mask usage

Polk State College is revising its Return to Campus Plan to reflect that masks or cloth face coverings are no longer required on campus but are highly recommended while the College remains in Phase II. This change, effective immediately, comes after careful consideration of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance and state law.

Polk State will continue to facilitate social distancing while on campus, as limiting close face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While on campus – outside and indoors – masks or cloth face coverings are strongly recommended, but not required. Individuals who are meeting one-on-one with students, colleagues, or members of the community in small offices or cubicles are still strongly encouraged to wear a mask due to the close confines of the space. The College is in the process of modifying campus signage to reflect these changes.

While the mask policy is changing, the College continues to encourage individuals to be vigilant about the health and safety of themselves and others. This includes following the CDC’s guidelines including:

• Monitoring your health daily for symptoms of COVID-19. If you have symptoms or are sick, stay home.
• Washing your hands often or using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible.
• Maintaining at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
• Wearing a mask when social distancing is more challenging or when you are in close contact with others for a prolonged period of time. For faculty and staff, this may include when meeting with students for advising sessions or during office hours.
• Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Getting vaccinated. Information about vaccines and how to make an appointment can be accessed at polk.edu/vaccine.