Masked professor and students talk in classroom

Cal State East Bay to Retain Mask Requirement

  • BY Cal State East Bay
  • February 15, 2022

While Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are dropping their indoor mask mandates for those who are fully vaccinated beginning Wednesday, Feb. 16, the CDC recommends that wearing a facial covering is a critical step to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

At this time, Cal State East Bay will continue to require face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The university will reevaluate this requirement at the end of February.

Why is Cal State East Bay continuing to require indoor masking?

  • All students, faculty and managers are required to receive a booster vaccination, and the continued use of face coverings through the end of February aligns with the deadline for students and managers.
  • While positivity rates are dropping quickly, health officials anticipate that the revised mask mandates may introduce a slight rise in cases. Let’s stay safe.
  • Many students and faculty have commented how they value returning to in-person learning this semester, and students say they learn better in the classroom. Masks help prevent the spread of illness–even just the common cold–and will reduce absences. 
  • The university continues to make science-based decisions. California’s discontinuation of the mask mandate means that facial coverings are not required, but are still strongly recommended. 

What can you do?

  • Get your booster vaccination, as required by the CSU system. All students, MPPs and confidential staff must upload their booster information by Feb. 28. 
  • Stay home if you are ill or have symptoms of coronavirus. Seasonal allergies and COVID-19 have similar symptoms.
  • However, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, are up to date with your vaccination, and do not have symptoms, you do not need to quarantine or stay home. Review updated quarantine and isolation guidelines. 
  • Focus on keeping yourself safe. With the change in regional masking requirements, many will choose not to wear a facial covering in public spaces. But some people will continue to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status. Respect others and their decisions.

Cal State East Bay COVID-19 resources