Mask Freedom For The Vaccinated At Central WA University

Attention Wildcats - Heads Up!  If you have been fully vaccinated for the Coronavirus, Central Washington University (CWU) says you won't need to wear a mask or some kind of face covering while walking outside on the Ellensburg campus.  They say they are following the science policies that align with the latest recommendations of federal, state, and regional medical authorities, including the Kittitas County Public Health Officer.

So what constitutes being  "fully vaccinated" from CWU's perspective?  People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, like the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Now, if you only have one shot or if you have yet to get a shot, then this adjusted policy does not apply to  you.  You students, faculty and staff will still need to wear a face covering at all times when on campus.  That includes those with a vaccination exemption.

Andreas Bohman,  CWU Vice President of Operations says, “The current vaccinations work quite well, with studies showing them to be more than 90 percent effective in preventing mild and severe cases of the COVID-19 virus.” 

Bohman said those who are fully vaccinated and attending an outside campus event also do not have to wear a face covering, unless the event requires it. Inside campus events, however, still require all participants to wear a mask.

Update on June 10, 2021 the Frequently Asked Questions portion of the CWU website reads :  Following careful consideration and assessing the direction taken by public and private universities within Washington state and nationally, CWU has decided to require COVID-19 vaccinations for students, faculty, and staff before returning to campus.   CWU will accept proof of any vaccine that was authorized for use in the United States at the time of administration. For vaccinations requiring two doses, students and employees must have received both doses of the vaccine to meet the requirement.