School of Medicine
Per the WashU School of Medicine announcement, these safety protocols are effective as of September 1, 2022.
- Clinical Spaces: Masks continue to be required in all clinical spaces and in places where patients or patient visitors may be present including public spaces within clinical facilities, links between hospitals, and lobbies, elevators and waiting rooms in hospitals and clinics.
- Non-clinical Spaces: Masks will be optional for fully vaccinated employees and students who work in office-based or non-clinical settings where no patients or clinical visitors are encountered.
- Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after the single-dose J&J/Janssen vaccine.
- Unvaccinated employees and students with approved vaccine exemptions must remain masked in all spaces.
- Masking is strongly encouraged in large indoor gatherings and crowded spaces.
- No limits on gathering size or provision of food.
- Use the largest available space for large gatherings and avoid crowding especially for any activities that are required by work.
- No restrictions on campus visitors, including shadowing.
- Continue to stay home if you are sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call the Exposure/Illness Hotline at 314-362-5056 for guidance.
Read more information and find resources on COVID-19 guidance for the School of Medicine.
Danforth Campus
- Effective March 3, 2022, masking is optional for social events of any size, with or without food, on or off campus.
- Effective March 14, 2022, masking will be optional for all Danforth Campus spaces. There will be no limit on gathering sizes.
As these changes take place on campus, it is important for all of us to keep the following in mind.
- Stay home if you’re sick. Please do not come to campus or leave your on-campus residence if you have even mild symptoms of COVID. Call the COVID Call Center at 314-362-5056 (faculty and staff) or Habif Health and Wellness Center at 314-935-6666 (students) for guidance and to get a free test if needed.
- Don’t question someone or make assumptions about them because of their choice to wear or not wear a mask. Some may choose to wear a mask, say no to a social engagement, or otherwise exercise more caution than others.
- If a classmate or colleague asks you to wear a mask, please consider doing so to be supportive, even if the rules don’t require it. Keep in mind they may be at a higher risk, caring for others at a higher risk, or feeling less comfortable in a mask-optional environment.
For those who are concerned about working and learning in a mask-optional environment, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- You may continue to wear a mask if you choose. One-way masking does still offer substantial protection to the wearer.
- The university will continue to monitor conditions and reinstate mitigation measures as necessary.
Read more information and find resources on COVID-19 guidance for the Danforth Campus.
WashU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
On June 15, 2021, a new COVID-19 Vaccination Policy was announced requiring all Washington University faculty, staff, and trainees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In a previous announcement to students, they were also informed of their requirement to be vaccinated before returning for the fall semester.
Contact Johnnie Cartwright, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research & Chief of Staff (cartwrightj@wustl.edu) with additional questions and concerns not covered on this site.