Southwest reinstates mask mandate at all campus locations as COVID-19 cases rise

By Daphne Thomas

Southwest Tennessee Community College has reinstated its COVID-19 mask mandate, effective immediately. All individuals visiting Southwest locations are required to wear a mask while indoors regardless of vaccination status. The only exceptions are when in a private office or while dining. Masks are not required to be worn outdoors. In light of the threat posed by the Delta variant and the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the mandate is reinstated out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that recommend masks be worn in public spaces.

“We have been keeping a watchful eye on the Delta variant and the CDC’s safety protocols and recommendations,” President Tracy D. Hall said. “Safety is our top priority and throughout the pandemic, we have followed CDC guidelines to ensure our campuses are as safe as possible.

“We are committed to doing all we can to lessen the risk of disease transmission,” Hall added.

With fall classes beginning Aug. 23, Hall says the College will remain vigilant in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. “We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our safety protocols as necessary.”

WHAT TO DO IF YOU TEST POSITIVE

All Southwest students, employees and visitors who test POSITIVE for COVID-19 are encouraged to self-report online on the coronavirus section of the Southwest website. The form only takes a few minutes to complete and all information will be kept strictly confidential.

WHERE TO GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION

Please review the College's infectious disease policy for more details and stay tuned for updates via email and on the College’s coronavirus website at www.southwest.tn.edu/coronavirus. For information about the virus, disease prevention, and much more, visit the CDC COVID-19 page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/index.html. For information on local guidelines, vaccination locations and more, visit the Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 page at https://www.shelby.community/.