On July 7, 2021, at 5:39 p.m. an email from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Marketing and Communications office was sent to students and staff members regarding an update on COVID-19 policies.

Effective immediately, face coverings are no longer required indoors for all fully-vaccinated individuals. As stated in the email, “There will be a small number of programs with program-specific protocols that differ from CDC guidance, such as youth camps and conferences. Please check with your division head if you have any questions.”

As of July 8, COVID-19 room capacity and group size limitations will be lifted. UWL will be removing physical distancing signage, stickers, and barriers, and returning furniture to original locations. Spaces are now available for reservation using pre-pandemic procedures. According to the email, “Classrooms, Murphy Library, recreation and sports spaces, performance and gathering areas, etc. will all be available for normal capacity.”

As of April 8, UW system schools do not plan to require individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of attending class. Currently, there is no plan to verify if UWL community members are fully-vaccinated upon returning to campus.

The Racquet Press interviewed University Marketing & Communications Executive Editor Maren Walz about the updated COVID-19 policies. “UW-La Crosse will not require vaccinations for students this fall, but we will continue to encourage students to get vaccinated. We are developing what that will look for the fall semester and more information will be shared as it approaches,” she said.

There have been over 5.6 million vaccine doses administered in the state of Wisconsin, as of July 7. In La Crosse County, 56% of the population have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.

La Crosse community members are able to get vaccinated at multiple local clinics. UWL students and employees can get a COVID-19 vaccine at the Student Health Center. Other locations with vaccination clinics are Walmart, Walgreens, Gundersen Health System, Mayo Health Clinic, etc. For more information regarding COVID-19 vaccination sites in La Crosse, visit the UWL vaccination page.

For general questions regarding UWL’s COVID-19 response plan, call 608-785-8559, or visit the UWL website to submit a question request.

The Racquet Press will continue to update the UWL community as the story progresses.