On Aug. 24 President Fritz Erickson sent out an email updating the masking protocol for campus stating that masks would be required in all campus buildings. Marquette County’s COVID-19 classification has been changed from moderate to substantial by the Marquette County Health Department.

The protocol update came Monday afternoon after the executive council approved the revision of NMU’s mask protocol. This revision will align the university to CDC’s recommendation to continue keeping those on campus safe as the surge of Delta variant cases continue.

“As of tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 24), Northern will require a mask to be worn by all individuals – vaccinated and not vaccinated – whenever inside a Northern facility. This includes ALL areas of ALL university facilities – classrooms, labs, hallways, lounges, dining locations, etc,” Erickson said.

The mask update includes those who are visiting on campus and groups renting NMU facilities. At this time, masks do not need to be worn when outside unless around large gatherings of people. Exceptions for mask-wearing include residence hall rooms, apartments, private offices, when an individual is alone in a university vehicle and when an individual is actively eating at an on-campus dining area.

“Northern will continue to monitor the CDC classification of Marquette County and the Upper Peninsula, and will reevaluate its mask requirements as the situation changes,” Erickson said. “If you want or need a Wildcat mask, they are available at the Dean of Students office for students and Human Resources for employees.”

Students who need to apply for a medical mask exemption should contact the Disability Services office by email at [email protected] or by phone at 906-227-1737. Employees who need to apply for a medical mask exemption should contact Human Resources by email at [email protected] or by phone at 906-227-2330.