While it is nice to enjoy the freedoms of no mandated COVID restrictions here on campus, it is important to be respectful. Students and faculty should respect everyones’ comfort

level with masks and social distancing.

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is the only university in the state of Colorado to not have some form of a mask mandate. The infection rate here on campus may not look

intimidating as we are currently in the green for campus alert level, the lowest alert level on the scale.

On the other hand, our vaccination rates are significantly lower than other major

universities in Colorado, a cause for concern in many at-risk student and faculty minds.

The two largest universities in the state, the University of Colorado-Boulder and Colorado State University, both require vaccinations and/or screening for the virus in addition to wearing a mask indoors on campus at all times.

Given that the University of Northern Colorado is also on that list, masks and other COVID-19 precautions still seem to be a desired practice. 

And while COVID-19 may not be rampant at CMU, it would be nice not having to

worry so much about every person you come in contact with, and I applaud these other schools for looking out for those still at risk.

It sounds redundant to keep saying that we are close to getting out of this, but it’s

important to think positively and keep making good decisions. 

While new treatments and preventative tactics are being made and improved everyday, the virus is only continuing to mutate, proving just as much if not more of a danger to the at-risk population than it may have originally.

It’s also important to keep in mind that there is still a CDC recommendation to wear masks in public indoor spaces. The school website also mentions that there is a lot higher chance of exposure off-campus as opposed to on-campus, with 82% of cases reportedly originating off-campus.

Time may seem to be dragging on through this pandemic, and COVID is something we all wish to leave in the rearview. I encourage everyone to read reputable data and facts in order to obtain a solid understanding and knowledge of where we are right now. 

Moreover, respect is important, and we must honor those that are more comfortable with masks and social distancing, even if it’s not a requirement.