Several San Jose State students agree with the university’s decision to continue an indoor mask mandate.
Santa Clara County lifted its indoor mask mandate on March 2, but the county and state public health departments “strongly recommend” that individuals continue wearing masks in indoor public spaces, according to a March 1 news release.
The decision came after the county met several metrics, including an 80% vaccination rate among the population and a seven day-rolling average of 550 coronavirus cases or less, according to the same press release.
Despite the county’s decision, the university’s mask mandate will remain in effect “until further notice,” SJSU Interim President Steve Perez stated in a March 1 campuswide email.
Accounting junior Andrew Alonzo said he believes the university made the right decision.
“COVID-19 is still prevalent, even if the mask mandate has been removed,” Alonzo said.
Although Santa Clara County discontinued its masking requirement, masks will still be enforced in higher-risk settings including healthcare facilities, shelters, long-term care facilities, public transit and jails , according to the March 1 news release.
Sara Cody, health officer and director of public health for Santa Clara County stated in the news release that though wearing a mask in public spaces is no longer required, “it still makes sense to do so.”
“Wearing a mask is part of working together to protect others, especially the most vulnerable among us,” Cody said.
Leonardo Plazola, aerospace engineering sophomore, said he believes SJSU should consider lessening its mask mandate because of the high vaccination rates among students and accessible COVID-19 testing, but agrees with the university’s current policy.
“I believe that intimate indoor spaces where people can be pretty close to one another (classrooms, restrooms, dining commons, etc.) should maintain strict mask rules. Otherwise, if it’s in open spaces like library study floors, student union, or outdoors, it shouldn’t be as strict,” he said in an Instagram message. “If cases do begin to rise, we should go back to [a] stricter policy.”
Aminah Sheikh, communicative sciences and disorders senior, said she also agrees with the university’s decision to continue enforcing masks, but hopes more students receive vaccines.
“I am ok with the fact that the school is still requiring masks because personally, I think masks are good for our safety,” she said. “I’m pro-vaccine, so I think we should encourage everyone to get vaccinated.”
In accordance with the California State University COVID-19 policy, SJSU students are required to be vaccinated and receive a booster shot, according to the SJSU website.
Students who are not in compliance with the vaccination requirements will be subject to consequences under the Student Code of Conduct including COVID-19 testing protocols, registration holds and limited access to campus resources, according to the same website.
The university currently offers COVID-19 booster vaccination clinics at the Student Wellness Center, with the latest clinic occuring on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Perez stated that the university was able to return to in-person instruction because of its continuous COVID-19 programs.
“We've kept our testing and booster programs active, and continued to be vigilant by wearing masks indoors and when outside in crowded environments,” Perez stated.
Sheikh said she believes the university should continue enforcing public health precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“Any safety measures regarding tests and unvaccinated students is a plus,” she said.
Sociology senior Dinda Miqailla said she agrees with the mask mandate but is also concerned about the risk of unvaccinated students.
“Personally, I actually agree to keep our masks on just because [COVID-19] is still around, whether we like it or not. It is more of a safety thing,” she said. “I think when it comes to unvaccinated students, unless they are medically exempt from it, they should not be allowed on campus.”
Perez said although the university mask requirement may come as a “short term disappointment” to some, the university will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
“[The mask requirement] will help keep our immunocompromised colleagues and friends safer and enable us to move forward as a united community,” he said.decision.
Kenneth Mashinchi, senior director of strategic communications and media relations, said in previous years, spring break can produce a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and the university will reevaluate masking policies after the March 28 - April 1 break.
