Rice relaxes outdoor mask policy, updates testing requirements

Woman walking with mask.

With cases of COVID-19 on the decline and a majority of the university population now vaccinated, mask policies and testing requirements on campus have been eased.

Woman walking with mask.
Photo by Jeff Fitlow

Masks are no longer required in outdoor spaces if people maintain a minimum of three feet of separation from others. When that’s not possible, or in a crowd, masks should still be worn. Masks must be worn while riding Rice shuttle buses.

The requirement to wear a mask indoors at all times remains in effect, except when alone in your own enclosed office, which is used only by you, or when in your own residential dorm suite. Given these requirements, you should always carry a mask while on campus.

The university will no longer require those fully vaccinated to be tested. Those who have not been vaccinated or have not answered the vaccine survey are still required to be tested.

As a result of our new testing protocols, Rice will reduce its testing capacity. The Abercrombie testing site will close permanently April 30. Testing will still be conducted by Baylor Genetics in the East Gym of Tudor Fieldhouse, and the LAMP test will still be available at The Roost at Reckling Park. The university will continue to have on-campus testing capability throughout the summer and fall semesters.

For more information, visit https://coronavirus.rice.edu/.

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