Providence College lifts indoor school mask mandate Wednesday

Two exceptions for the mandate remain in place.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Effective Wednesday at 5 p.m., the indoor mask mandate at Providence College will expire, becoming the first college or university in Rhode Island to make this move.

PC officials made this announcement Wednesday afternoon, adding there are two exceptions: masks can still be required by professors during class and will be required in medical and clinical settings in accordance to public health guidelines.

Associate Vice President of Public Affairs, Steve Maurano, says school officials have been monitoring COVID cases across the state and on campus for weeks, looking to loosen this mandate, that was put into place in August of 2021.

“I definitely think this will boost morale. I mean, let’s be candid, I think we’re all a little tired of wearing masks at this point,” Maurano says.

Officials say all other COVID protocols will stay in place, such as weekly testing for those who are not vaccinated and vaccine requirements for the college.

PC reports 97% of all community members have been vaccinated. Of those eligible for a booster shot, 78% have been boosted.

Maurano says the school hopes to make it through this spring semester without having to reinstate indoor masking- but adds if cases begin to rise on campus or in the state, they’ll have to reconsider.

The CDC is still recommending indoor masking in K-12 schools and universities across the country, regardless of vaccination status.