University leaders reinstated the indoor face mask requirement on most of the University’s campuses and properties on April 15. At that time, University leaders indicated they would re-evaluate this requirement in early May, prior to Commencement.
Campus health officials believe indoor masking has reduced the number of COVID infections among students in recent days. Based on the effectiveness of the mask requirement in returning COVID cases to more manageable levels, as well as the still relatively high rate of COVID infections in the greater Rochester community and in New York State—the current face mask policy will remain in place for now, including at indoor Commencement ceremonies and events.