Owensboro Community and Technical College will require face masks to be worn inside all public OCTC buildings, effective today. The same requirement begins Monday for everyone on Brescia University and on Western Kentucky University campuses — including the one in Owensboro.
The mask mandate is universal across all 16 campuses within the Kentucky Community & Technical College System.
“The risk of infection with the Delta variant of COVID-19 is very high in our four-county region and we must take steps to protect our campus community,” said OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams. “Face masks are highly effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and this mitigation strategy is one way that we can try and create a safe environment for everyone on our campuses.”
OCTC will continue to monitor all COVID-19 guidance from the CDC, state and local officials, and local health departments.
Registration is underway way now for Fall 2021 classes which begin Aug. 16.
According to a letter from President Fr. Larry Hostetter, masking will be required indoors for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors on Brescia’s campus and everyone is asked to exercise “good sense” in maintaining 3 feet of distancing.
“Regarding distancing, this is not a hard and fast rule as circumstances will determine what is appropriate,” he said. “I am asking everyone to exercise caution and keep appropriate distance in as much as that is possible. Please continue to also practice good hygiene and hand washing. Hand sanitizer will continue to remain readily available.”
He also said, “This is not how I wanted to start the semester, but because of the virulence of the Delta variant this is the responsible thing to do. … It is also the least disruptive path to our educational experience.”
According to an announcement from WKU, “The WKU COVID-19 Task Force has temporarily updated masking guidance to reflect changes in recommendations from our health partners and regional data. … The Taskforce will continue to monitor appropriate variables to determine when masking will again become optional for vaccinated individuals.”
The website for WKU-Owensboro said they follow the WKU COVID-19 policy, and “We strictly enforce wearing face coverings and physical distancing.”
