Indiana Extends Face Covering Requirement

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced he would extend the statewide face covering requirement for at least 30 days, with a new executive order in effect until at least Sept. 25.

During the press briefing, Governor Holcomb and Indiana State Health Commissioner shared that the positivity rate has plateaued since the mask mandate was enacted, but it is still above where they’d like to see it.

The face covering requirement states that “every individual within the State of Indiana shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth” when inside public spaces, in outdoor public spaces when physical distancing is not feasible, or while using public transportation or ride-sharing vehicles.

Following guidance from local, state, and federal agencies, as well as best practices from public health experts, Valparaiso University continues to require face coverings as part of its campus wide safety plan and student and employee codes of conduct. Wearing face coverings, physical distancing, monitoring symptoms, and following proper hygiene and sanitation protocols are ways everyone on campus can help to slow the spread of COVID-19.

As we seek to promote health and safety on campus, some have asked for clarity in how they can best follow guidelines and encourage others to act in the best interest of the safety of all. Please take a moment to read the tips below, as we all need to do everything we can for campus to remain open.

1. Staying six feet away from others, even when masked or outside, is vital.  Remember, we know the virus is spread through respiratory droplets. Face coverings limit transmission but do not eliminate all droplets. So, remain six feet apart, even when you have a face covering on or are outside.
2. If you test negative, that does not mean you can leave quarantine.
   Medical professionals continue to say that if you have the virus, you can pass it to others for up to 14 days. And the tests only test for that particular moment in time.  So if you test negative today, you could be positive tomorrow.   
3. Do I have to take my temperature and check in on the app if I am not coming to campus on a certain day?
   No.  You only need to fill out the app if you are going to be on campus.
4. How will I know if I have had significant contact with someone who tested positive?
   You will receive notification from the Health Center.
5. If I have to go into quarantine or isolation, will my faculty be notified?
   Yes. And faculty should have a plan to accommodate you. But it is your responsibility to find out from the faculty member what they have planned for you to continue to complete our work.
6. Where do we really need to continue to have your help to keep campus open? Students, when you are standing in line to swipe in or are in line to get food at founders, you are not spacing out appropriately. Please help us out by remaining six feet apart in line. And put your face coverings back on after eating please!
7. Keep face coverings on in cars and limit the number.
   It is difficult to be physically distanced in cars so please keep your face coverings on and windows open if possible.
8. Where can I report if I have concerns about people who are not following COVID-19 protocols.
   See something, say something. Ideally we are all part of the community so you should talk to the individual and ask them to help us out by complying. If you are a student and this does not change the individual’s behavior, please report any issues to a faculty or staff member so they can discuss it with the student and/or report it further.

Please continue to contact covid19info@valpo.edu with any questions related to COVID-19. Students may also contact student.life@valpo.edu.