UNC Charlotte to make masks optional on campus starting March 7

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is adjusting its mask protocols after Mecklenburg County voted to drop its mask mandate and the UNC System issued new guidance.

Starting March 7, face masks will be optional on campus, including classrooms and other academic spaces. Masks will still be required in classrooms, Atkins Library and at indoor gatherings until Monday.

On Friday, students were able to stop wearing masks everywhere else on campus.

County commissioners voted to drop the mandate after health officials cited several reasons for the recommendation, including improved COVID-19 trends, vaccine availability and new treatments.

The university recommends anyone in the following categories to continue wearing masks in all indoor settings:

• If you have tested positive in the past five days.
• If you fall within a high-risk category.
• If you are unvaccinated.
• Requirements for face masks still exist in health care settings and on mass transit, as required by state and federal mandates.

Mask are also still encouraged when people are in close proximity to others, including hallways, in elevators, when waiting in line in buildings or in residential community spaces.

(WATCH BELOW: Mecklenburg County drops mask mandate as COVID-19 trends continue to decrease)

Mecklenburg County drops mask mandate as COVID-19 trends continue to decrease

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