USM Statement on the Adjustment of COVID Mitigation Strategies


Baltimore, Md. (Feb. 14, 2022) – As the Omicron surge subsides and Maryland exits its state of emergency, our USM institutions are determining modifications to their COVID-19 protocols, including masking requirements on campus.

Each USM university has individual authority to implement and adjust COVID mitigation strategies, as guided by the needs of its campus and community populations. We’re mindful that those needs will vary institution to institution. However, all universities are using a measured, “step-down” approach to relaxing their mitigation protocols.  

University decisions are made in close collaboration with local public health authorities. Each university will continue to monitor transmission rates on and off campus, and will adjust requirements as needed based on those data.

We’re encouraged by Maryland’s falling infection rates and by the fact that all USM institutions are safeguarding their students and employees by maintaining multiple layers of protection, including vaccination requirements. Our COVID vaccination rates are high Systemwide, and we urge all students, faculty, and staff to remain up-to-date with their vaccinations.

While we’re hopeful that the worst of this pandemic is behind us, we understand how unpredictable this virus continues to be. The System’s top priority is protecting the safety of our people. As we manage this changing crisis, each university’s decisions will reflect the primacy of that goal.

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Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu