The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ plans to lift its indoor mask mandate, effective Monday, March 21.
Students and faculty returned from spring break Monday, which is why the policy change won’t go into effect until next week.
“I believe that it’s prudent to see what level of infection is present among our university community before changing our protocol for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus,†President Robert Robbins said at a virtual news conference Monday morning. “Following a week where the members of the campus community all have an opportunity to test, if we see new case counts align with the rest of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and Pima County we will be well-positioned to relax our masking protocols.â€
He urged everyone who comes to campus, especially those who traveled over spring break, to get a test — there are numerous free testing sites on campus — this week to help the UA accurately gauge its infection rate.
People are also reading…
After next Monday, Robbins added, masks will be recommended but not required. Masks will still be required for passengers on university transit and in the campus’s various health care settings. Free surgical masks will still be available at various points across campus.
Masks will also be required for spectators at McKale Center during Saturday’s NCAA women’s basketball tournament.
“As these changes go into place, I want to again emphasize the vital importance of compassion for one another, especially for those who are most vulnerable to this still-deadly virus,†Robbins said. Addressing the whole campus community, he asked that if people ask others to wear a mask in an indoor space to “respect their needs and be mindful that others have varying levels of risk from COVID-19.â€
Since reopening the school for mostly in-person learning last fall, the UA, which has about 40,000 students attending classes on its main campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, has required all students and staff to wear face masks indoors when social distancing is not possible.

Robbins
The planned removal of the indoor mask requirement comes as the number of new COVID-19 cases in Pima County and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ continue to decline after the omicron surge in January.
During the last week in January, the UA reported an 11.5% of positivity rate among its campus population, with 237 positive cases out of 2,057 total tests. But the latest available numbers presented Monday by the UA, which account for the first 10 days in March, show a 1% positivity rate among 3,459 tests.
The UA’s decision is based on new guidance from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention which says that communities with low and medium viral transmission rates — most of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, including Pima and Maricopa Counties, is considered medium — residents don’t need to wear masks in most indoor public spaces.
The UA’s plan to end its indoor mask mandate next week follows similar announcements at many other universities, including ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State University and Northern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ University.
The UA’s planned end to its mask mandate also reflects a trend within the surrounding local community. In February, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to end its countywide mask mandate. Last week, the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Unified School District Governing Board also voted to end its mask mandate, effective at the end of this month.
Although the UA is set to end its indoor mask requirement next week, the situation is fluid.
“I think there’s a zoro or a zeta variant that’s going to come back. If that does what delta and omicron did, we’re going to have to go back to requirements,†Robbins said. “That’s going to be a tough procedural and policy action, but if we need to we’ll do it.â€
Then and Now: UA campus in 50s, 60s, 70s and today
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1965

The Park Avenue Food Services and Bookstore Center on the west side of campus is under construction on May 18, 1965. Bruce Hopkins / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The Park Student Union at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ offers an array of food choices plus a bookstore, gaming center, meeting rooms and the home of the KAMP Student Radio station in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on August 8, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1965

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium starts to take shape as 10,000 new seats are added to the west side along Vine Street as part of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s $1.4 million addition to structure on April 16, 1965. The completion date for the addition to the stadium was extended a month to October 2, 1965. Ralph Dohme / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

Likens Residence Hall, left, is a four to six-story hall that offers numerous sustainability features and the latest in green energy at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on August 8, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1966

The brand-spanking new Space Sciences Center at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ was complete by September 11, 1966. Note that North Warren Avenue went all the way through to Third Street and the UA Mall. Mark Godfrey / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The Gerard P Kuiper Space Sciences building on the mall of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on July 26, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1965

A previously empty lot is becoming the foundation to the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s new Administration building on May 18, 1965. Bruce Hopkins / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The west side of the Administration Building at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus while looking south in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on July 26, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1971

The Student Union at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ had just been renovated by June 23, 1971. The addition of 130,000 square feet in the new sections of the building more than doubled the previous space. The cost for the renovation was $3.5 million. Art Grasberger / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The new Student Union Memorial Center at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on July 26, 2016. It is one of the largest student unions in the country sitting on around 10 acres and offering food, shopping, studying, banks, a bookstore, hair salon and more. It also pays tribute in design and memorabilia to the USS ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1972

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium is off in the distance looking south along North Cherry Avenue on February 9, 1972. At the time the UA was proposing an addition to its football stadium adding another 10,600 seats to the east side of the structure that would involve permanently closing Cherry Avenue. It was also considering a 3,600-unit parking lot, all of which could cost around $11 million. Bruce Hopkins / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

North Cherry Avenue looking south toward the football stadium at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on July 26, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1976

From the patio of the new University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Main Library, students hang out as construction on the east side of the football stadium, on the left, continues on April 21, 1976. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium's seating capacity was to increase to a total of 57,000 seats for its season opener against Auburn on September 11. P.K. Weis / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The Lowell-Stevens Football Facility is at the north end of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on July 26, 2016. It is the new home of football operations and it provides club seating, concessions and it increased the seating capacity of the stadium. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1968

The new Optical Sciences building at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ was part of a $2.6 million project on December 27, 1968. The US Air Force pledged $5.2 million in support of optical sciences research at the university. Art Grasberger / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The back side of Optical Sciences building at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on August 14, 2016. The college is one of the premier educational and research institutions in optics and photonics. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1966

Drivers travel around the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus as dirt is piled up in the center of the mall near Cherry Avenue looking towards Bear Down Gym in the background and the baseball field on September 11, 1966. Mark Godfrey / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The Mall at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ near the Main Library, left and Bear Down Gym in the middle in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on August 15, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1971

The Student Union at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ had just been renovated by June 23, 1971. The addition of 130,000 square feet in the new sections of the building more than doubled the previous space. The cost for the renovation was $3.5 million. Art Grasberger / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The new Student Union Memorial Center at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on August 10, 2016. It is one of the largest student unions in the country sitting on around 10 acres and offering food, shopping, studying, banks, a bookstore, hair salon and more. It also pays tribute in design and memorabilia to the USS ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1972

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium is on the left looking north along North Cherry Avenue at East Sixth Street on February 9, 1972. At the time the UA was proposing an addition to its football stadium adding another 10,600 seats to the east side of the structure that would involve permanently closing Cherry Avenue. It was also considering a 3,600-unit parking lot, all of which could cost around $11 million. Bruce Hopkins / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

A woman crosses Sixth Street along the east side of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on August 8, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1965

The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Civil Engineering building nears completion on May 18, 1965. Bruce Hopkins / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Civil Engineering Building at 1209 E 2 St., A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1982

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ students take time out from their classes to relax at the pool located on the north side of the Student Union on March 9, 1982. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen file
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The north side of the Student Union Memorial Center at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ looking towards the Second Street parking garage in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on August 16, 2016.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1965

The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Speech and Hearing Sciences building at 1131 E 2nd St. in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in 1965. Bruce Hopkins / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Speech and Hearing Sciences Building at 1131 E 2nd St. in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on July 25, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1966

The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall off East Third Street (left) and North Cherry Avenue on September 21, 1966. Note the baseball field on the left of the photo. Art Grasberger / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The mall at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ from North Cherry Avenue near University Boulevard in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on August 16, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1966

A view of North Highland Avenue looking north toward the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Administration building on September 11, 1966. Mark Godfrey / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

North Highland Avenue at Sixth Street looking north toward the mall at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on August 14, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1965

The foundation of what is going to be the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Administration building is underway on June 29, 1965. Art Grasberger / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium on the west side of the structure looking south at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on August 10, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1971

The Student Union at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ had just been renovated by June 23, 1971. The addition of 130,000 square feet in the new sections of the building more than doubled the previous space. The cost for the renovation was $3.5 million. Art Grasberger / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

A portion of the new Student Union Memorial Center at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on July 26, 2016. It is one of the largest student unions in the country sitting on around 10 acres and offering food, shopping, studying, banks, a bookstore, hair salon and more. It also pays tribute in design and memorabilia to the USS ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1965

Cranes ease giant sections of the concrete supports in place along Vine Street as part of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s $1.4 million addition to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium on March 24, 1965. Art Grasberger / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium on the west side of the structure looking north at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on August 10, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1959

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ students walk around campus mixing occasionally with traffic in front of the Social Sciences building in 1959. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen file.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

From the Social Sciences building looking north towards Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on July 26, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1965

The foundation of what is going to be the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Administration building is underway on June 29, 1965. Art Grasberger / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 2016

The Administration Building at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on July 26, 2016. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Kathryn Palmer covers higher education for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Contact her via e-mail at kpalmer@tucson.com or her new phone number, 520-496-9010.