BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Western Kentucky University announced on Friday in a message from university president Tim Caboni that their mask requirement would be lifted, effective immediately.

What You Need To Know

  • WKU's mask requirement is lifted, effective immediately

  • The requirement was lifted following a drastic drop in positive cases and the CDC's revised masking guidance

  • Masks will still be required while using WKU transportation services

  • Students are encouraged to engage in any safety measures they feel best protect themselves

According to the message, WKU’s number of positive cases has dropped by 96.9% since the start of the semester. That, combined with the announcement of the CDC’s revised masking guidance that relaxes requirements for schools, spurred the university’s decision. 

However, the CDC’s order requiring masks on public transportation remains in effect on the campus, therefore masks continue to be required while using WKU transportation services.  

“All members of the WKU Community should continue to engage in any safety measures they feel best protect themselves, including wearing masks in all settings if they so choose. WKU’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety is offering KN95 masks to all members of the WKU Community at no cost,” Caboni said in the message.

WKU students can request KN95 masks by emailing covid.help@wku.edu.

Caboni also stated that vaccination remains the most effective tool in the fight against the COVID-19 virus, and that vaccines are readily available in the area, including at the Graves Gilbert Clinic on WKU’s campus. 

“And as always, individuals should stay home when sick,” he said.

The WKU COVID-19 Task Force continues to monitor COVID data on campus and across the region and will adjust Healthy on the Hill protocols as necessary. 

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