Regents adopt tiered approach to face covering protocols

The South Dakota Board of Regents has adopted a tiered approach to face covering requirements for its six public universities when the fall academic term begins on August 19th.   

Wednesday’s action creates a new framework under which the board and its universities are positioned to react quickly to adjust campus operations whenever necessary. 

To begin fall semester operations on the campuses, the regents agreed to require face coverings in all public indoor spaces on campus, which is Level Three of the plan.  This action will be reviewed 30 days after the start of the fall academic term.

The board’s protocol, which applies to all students, staff, faculty, and campus visitors, provides for four differentiated levels of response.

Significant community spread of the coronavirus in certain areas of the state, or other special circumstances, may result in an individual campus or location operating at a different level within the tiered framework from other institutions.