Indoor Masking Will Become Optional At University Of Wisconsin Colleges

WISCONSIN — Indoor masking requirements will be lifted from university campuses across Wisconsin as soon as March 1, the University of Wisconsin System announced Wednesday.

Widespread vaccination at campuses and the downtrend of COVID-19 cases across Wisconsin will let the system lift its indoor masking requirements, the system's interim president, Tommy Thompson, said in a statement.

"While we will continue to take prudent prevention measures when warranted, restrictions can be lifted as case counts drop," Thompson said. The system president also said that Wisconsin was among states with the fastest decline in cases.

Wisconsin is among 14 states where the number of COVID-19 cases for every 100,000 people is below 50, data from the Mayo Clinic showed.

The state had nearly 42 cases for every 100,000 people, while the U.S. averaged 61.4 cases for every 100,000 people as of Feb. 11, clinic data showed.

However, neighboring states like Minnesota and Illinois still had high case rates. Minnesota topped out at 88.1 cases per 100,000 people, and Illinois had 55 cases per 100,000 people.

A consensus among scientists is emerging that the novel coronavirus will reoccur with ongoing transmission for possibly the next several years, with the possibility of future surges, Thompson added.

Thompson's words reflected what health experts said in early February, that COVID-19 could become endemic, meaning coronavirus cases would be constant in the future.

Scientists have also warned that the virus could remain an epidemic, and rapid spread and mutations could cause more surges in the future.

SEE ALSO: Could COVID-19 Become Endemic? WI Experts Weigh In

Vaccinations, boosters and testing will still be available on campuses, but masking will be optional, the system said. Universities will continue to monitor COVID-19 cases, and policies could change if the situation calls for it.

Thompson praised students and staff for following masking rules and working amid the pandemic, which first hit Wisconsin in March 2020.

"Our students have been terrific for the last two years in demonstrating a culture of responsibility," he said.