K-State continues to phase out COVID-19 protocols

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Kansas State University will continue to phase out COVID-19 protocols.

Kansas State University says as it rolls into summer, it continues to adapt to circumstances dictated by COVID-19. It said this includes updating guidance to support its plan to move to phase out at the beginning of August and return to a largely in-person fall semester. Recently, it said it announced changes to its face covering and social distancing policies and it is now pleased to announce the next series of updates to its COVID guidance.

According to K-State, gathering limits will be lifted for all events and activities, indoors and outdoors, effective June 14. It said indoor gatherings can be held at full capacity, including work, classroom and research spaces.

K-State said in-person interviews will also resume on June 14. It said search committees can decide if they will use virtual or in-person interviews. It said candidates that are unvaccinated and travel from high-risk areas as identified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are required to comply with the 10-day quarantine guidelines. It said committees are required to provide a consistent interview format for all candidates and a candidate should not be placed at a disadvantage should they not be able to participate in an in-person interview.

Since announcing changes to its face covering and social distancing policies, K-State said it has responded to various questions that need clarification. It said those clarifications are as follows:

In addition to Lafene Health Center and university shuttles, the Center for Child Development is a setting where masking requirements remain in effect.
Individual labs, classrooms and other learning spaces, department or unit offices and individual offices may not be designated by individuals as spaces where face coverings are required. Employees who have concerns regarding health conditions may work with the university ADA coordinator regarding accommodations.
Laboratories, where face coverings were designated as required PPE prior to the pandemic, may continue to require face coverings.

According to K-State, over the next few weeks, teams will work to remove and refresh signage throughout the campus. It said this process will take time and care will be given to repair surfaces. It said community members can expect to see signage that will support the collective responsibility to help protect the community by self-monitoring symptoms, staying home if sick, washing hands, exercising the option to wear a facemask and getting vaccinated as available.

K-State said organizers of summer camps and conferences can change their COVID plans based on the new guidance regarding face masks, social distancing and event limits. It said there is no requirement to submit revised plans.

According to the University, vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and the community. It said unvaccinated students, faculty and staff that can get the vaccine are strongly encouraged to do so. It said Lafene Health Center continues to offer vaccine opportunities and for a limited time, will offer the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

K-State said it also participates in the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge, which is a special project from the White House and the U.S. Department of Education. It said over the next few weeks, it will rollout an extended effort to encourage vaccination. It said it invites everyone to support the goal of increasing awareness of and access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to K-State, it has made and will continue to make decisions based on public health guidance and rely on experts. It said changes to policies are consistent with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.