Western Wyoming College adopts 30-day mask mandate

Posted 8/31/21

ROCK SPRINGS (WNE) — The Western Wyoming Community College Board of Trustees approved a 30-day mask mandate at a special Wednesday board meeting. 

The decision was made after hearing …

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Western Wyoming College adopts 30-day mask mandate

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ROCK SPRINGS (WNE) — The Western Wyoming Community College Board of Trustees approved a 30-day mask mandate at a special Wednesday board meeting. 

The decision was made after hearing recommendations from Kim Dale, the president of Western, and updated COVID-19 statistics from Dr. Jean Stachon, the Sweetwater County public health officer.

As of Aug. 25, there were four confirmed positive COVID-19 cases among the student body with six students in quarantine. Among Western staff members, two had tested positive and five were in quarantine. 

“It’s delicate balance in keeping students safe and giving them a great experience,” Dale said.

Dr. Stachon said Sweetwater County ranks the third-highest in the state when it comes to the COVID-19 Delta variant, noting the Wyoming Department of Health tracks these particular cases. She added that most of the variant cases are with younger people. 

The board of trustees also authorized the administration to reinstate on-campus testing of athletes and students living in the residence halls when the college deems appropriate. Over the next few weeks, a survey will be conducted to find out how many students and staff members have been vaccinated. The survey is voluntary and the individual may remain anonymous.

Yadi Vicencio, the president of the student government association, said she had talked to about 280 students during Welcome Week while looking for a consensus. She said students were willing to do whatever it takes to continue in-person instruction, and that includes wearing masks. 

Out of all the Mustangs Vicencio talked to, she said no one was against a mask mandate.

(Editor's note: This version corrects that faculty are not subject to a testing requirement.)

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