HANOVER — As COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to trend downward, Dartmouth College will stop requiring masks indoors next Wednesday, after winter term ends, college officials announced Friday.
In most situations at the college, masks will be optional, Provost David Kotz and Executive Vice President Rick Mills said in a video posted to the college’s website.
There may be some situations such as performances at the Hopkins Center where masks are required, Kotz said. Masks still will be required for people with symptoms and those who return from isolation five days following a positive test, he said.
Mills described the college’s new policy as “masks welcome.”
“These kinds of transitions are hard,” Mills said. “This is another big transition for us. We need to get through it respectfully. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask then go for it.”
Kotz said the college remains prepared to resume mask requirements should another variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 emerge.