The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that fully vaccinated individuals — those who have received their final COVID-19 vaccination at least two weeks ago — no longer need to wear masks or practice social distancing as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline, and vaccination efforts continue.Consistent with the revised CDC guidelines and recommendations from the university’s on-call COVID-19 Task Force, effective Monday, May 24, the University of Central Oklahoma will no longer mandate the use of masks or social distancing.

Those who have not been vaccinated should continue to wear a mask, preferably a surgical or KN-95 mask, to protect themselves and others. Those who have been vaccinated may continue to voluntarily wear a mask if they choose.

Additionally, the revised CDC guidelines mean the university can return to Level 1 operations, as defined in the university’s COVID-19 operational decision-making framework. This essentially means a return, with caution, to normal operations. COVID-19 is still in our community, and conditions around the virus can change. The CDC still advises all individuals to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Many businesses and health care facilities will continue to require masks. Continuing to practice good hand hygiene and cleaning is also encouraged.

Hand sanitizer will continue to be available in dispensers throughout campus. The university is continuing to improve filtration systems in buildings, as well as thorough cleaning and disinfection of facilities.

All Americans age 12 and older now are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Members of the Central community are encouraged to get the vaccine. Visit the UCO vaccine information webpage for information on vaccine appointments from multiple providers in the Oklahoma City metro. Those who have already received their vaccine shots should self-report their vaccination using the university’s voluntary vaccination reporting survey. Those who have been directly exposed and/or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested. Positive test results should be reported to the university.

With these changes, it is important to note that class delivery for the summer semester will not change.

This is a significant shift for the UCO community – one that has been hard earned during 14 months of commitment to following guidelines and keeping the safety of your fellow Bronchos top of mind. Thank you! We will continue to monitor conditions surrounding COVID-19, but for now, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the corner we have collectively worked so hard to turn.