By Anna Woods, Managing Editor

COVID-19 regulations are changing on campus with the end of the mask mandate, which ended on April 9. However, it is up to the discretion of professors, departments, offices and hosts of large events to mandate masks.

The Quadrangle published a piece about professors’ opinions of the end of the mask mandate. In this follow-up, students from several schools of study spoke about their feelings on the issue.

Isabelle Tomás ‘24, Undecided major

Have you decided to keep wearing a mask? If yes, why?

I have decided to continue wearing a mask for the time being. I’ve found it makes me feel more comfortable. The idea of people not seeing my face (especially if I wear sunglasses) and being able to not be perceived is comforting to me in moments where I’m tired, stressed or just generally not in the mood to interact with people. On a less anti-social note though, I like the mask because although COVID cases have lessened, I don’t feel ready to let go of the mask and the extra security it provides me when I wear it. 

How do you feel about the end of the mask mandate on campus? 

In terms of the mandate being lifted, I’m still on the fence about whether or not it’s too soon to go maskless. Maybe I’m paranoid but I do feel it’s a little too soon, especially with summer approaching, but we’ll see! 

Kevin Plut ’23, Engineering major

Have you decided to keep wearing a mask? If yes and you feel comfortable why?

I no longer wear a mask outside of required classes. I’m comfortable with the vaccines and find it easier to breathe with my asthma.

How do you feel about the end of the mask mandate on campus? 

I am happy about the end of the mandate.

Maren Kain ‘22, Communication major

Have you decided to keep wearing a mask? If yes, why?

I will keep wearing my mask. I am immunocompromised and take medications that affect the ways my body responds to vaccines and my ability to fight off viruses. I feel as if wearing a mask right now is not just something I do for myself and my health but something I will continue to do to keep other vulnerable members of our community safe. 

How do you feel about the end of the mask mandate on campus? 

I’ve been vaccinated and boosted and have gotten COVID twice since returning to campus in the fall. It’s frustrating to me to be so close to the end of semester, currently recovering from COVID, and see administration make such an unnecessary, reckless call. Especially if you are not going to give me, a high-risk, chronically ill individual, the option to attend my classes remotely while actively trying to recover from COVID.