July 30, 2021

Dear AU Community,

The District of Columbia has reinstated mask requirements indoors for all persons over age two, regardless of vaccination status, effective Saturday, July 31. In accordance with the Mayor’s Order (Order 2021-097), anyone present in AU buildings or campus facilities must wear masks while indoors. The only exceptions are when eating or alone in an office or residence hall room.

As a reminder, as per AU’s Health and Safety Plan released June 21, individuals are not required to wear masks outside on campus unless they are in a group of 25 or more.

This change also reflects updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to mask indoors in areas of high transmissibility. Cases in the District have risen five-fold in recent weeks. As stated in the Mayor’s Order, vaccination remains the most important tool in fighting COVID-19. Masks add another layer of protection.

We appreciate everyone’s effort to keep our community safe. We will continue to update our health and safety protocols as we prepare for in-person classes and residential experiences this fall.

Sincerely,
Fanta Aw
Vice President of Campus Life & Inclusive Excellence
American University
campuslife@american.edu