University of Tulsa Reinstating Mask Mandate Inside Campus Buildings

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — As COVID-19 cases continue to surge across green country, the University of Tulsa has decided to temporarily reinstitute its mask mandate with stricter requirements for staff.

When students return for the spring semester they will have to wear a face mask at all times while inside school buildings.

The university already is reporting nearly 50 cases among students and staff before classes begin Monday.

“We’re in an unprecedented time with the speed of omicron rising and we are working really hard to get information to the American public,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC.

Staff at TU will be required to wear a respirator-like mask such as an N95.

Health experts say if you can’t get ahold of an N95, the blue surgical masks doubled up with a cloth one will add and extra layer of protection, which is another option staff at TU will have on campus.

The experts strongly advise against just wearing a cloth mask alone.

“There is evidence they are doing more harm than good. They’re not fine mesh at all and the particles may aerosolize better,” said Dr. Steve Feagins, Cincinnati public health director.

The CDC also suggests everyone should wear masks in indoor public spaces even if if you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection and prevent possibly spreading COVID-19 to others especially with the highly contagious omicron variant.

TU says the new guidelines will definitely be in place for the next week and they will review and modify each week after depending on the current situation.