Dear Members of the Medical School Community,

I am writing to inform you that mask wearing will be optional regardless of vaccination status at The Warren Alpert Medical School building effective September 6, 2022. We have made this decision based on the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 transmission level in Providence County is currently low.

While masking is optional, those with approved exemptions from vaccination can help limit their risk of transmission by continuing to adhere to masking guidance indoors, on shuttles, etc.  Noted exceptions to the optional masking policy — where wearing masks continues to be required — include:

●      health care facilities, including the University Health and Wellness Center;
●      classes where the instructor requires students to wear masks; and
●      meetings where the host requires attendees to wear masks (for example, a staff member meeting with a student in their office may require the student to wear a mask during the meeting).

Please carry an approved mask (such as a well-fitting KN95, KF94, N95 or disposable/surgical mask) at all times in case a situation arises where a mask is required (such as a host’s preference at a meeting or other situation listed above). We also encourage all students, staff, and faculty to wear a mask whenever they choose to do so and for any reason (including personal and community protection against seasonal flu and colds). This personal choice should be respected. As with vaccination status, no one should ask another individual about their personal choice to wear a mask.

The optional masking policy is subject to change, particularly in the event of increased COVID-19 incidence in the community. I thank you for your continued cooperation.

Sincerely,

Mukesh K. Jain, MD
Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences