Community encouraged to continue face-covering protocols until commencement weekend.

By Rachel Blood | News Editor

Governor Tim Walz lifted the Minnesota mask mandate today after the Center of Disease Control revealed plans to stop requiring face coverings in public indoor spaces.

Bethel encourages community members to continue to wear face coverings indoors until commencement weekend ends May 23. This stems from an attempt to respect those who have not yet been vaccinated or remain in a group classified as medically vulnerable.

If a Bethel community is asked to wear a face covering indoors on campus, Director of COVID-19 Operations Kristi Moline asks that the request be honored.

Wellness Center Director Rick Meyer announced that masks, while recommended, will be option in the WLC for the remainder of the school year. Pods and the reservation system through the WLC app will continue.

“As we look forward to commencement next weekend, we are grateful and proud of the work we’ve done as a community to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on our campus,” Moline said. “These announcements have no impact on our decision to not require vaccinations in the fall. We will continue to monitor the guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and make decisions for Bethel that best balance the student experience while maintaining health and safety for the entire Bethel community.”