Tucson Standard

In light of recent developments and improvements in the COVID landscape, the University of Arizona (UA) and its officials are contemplating a switch to an optional mask policy instead of enforcing a mandatory mask policy. 

Though there are signs of encouragement, experts and staff are still hesitant to roll back restrictive measures and mask mandates until there are strong signals that it is safe to do so. 

"With the return from spring break, and many students, faculty, and staff traveling over the past week, I believe that it's prudent to see what level of infection is present among our university community before changing our protocol for the Tucson campus," Robert Robbins, president of UA, said recently. "Following a week where the members of the campus community all have an opportunity to test, if we see new case counts aligned with the rest of Arizona and Pima County, we will be well-positioned to relax our mask protocols as suggested in the CDC guidance."

Before a final decision is made, infection numbers will be monitored to determine the level of infection that is present as students return from spring break, according to KOLD. The university will use this evaluation period to decide if now is a good time to start rolling back protective measures. 

In Arizona, masks have already become optional in businesses. On March 21, masks became recommended, but not required when indoors. This move is in line with federal rules, as COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths begin to fall in Arizona. 

Rolling back mandatory masks is not a permanent measure, KOLD reported. Officials could still decide to reinstate the mandates if infection rates rise again, or if public health officials decide that there is once again an imminent danger to the public.