Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2020
CONTACT
Karen Ogden
Communications Director
406-449-9173 (o); 406-788-4375 (c)
kogden@montana.edu
Commissioner’s Statement Regarding Reconvening of the MUS Healthy Fall 2020 Task Force
In light of the changing circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing number
of cases both nationally and within the state – coupled with evidence around the efficacy
of face masks in slowing the spread of the virus as well as the demographic trends
among positive cases – I am asking the MUS Healthy Fall 2020 Task Force to reconvene
to discuss a possible mask requirement. The Task Force also will consider issues related
to compliance, enforcement and other details surrounding a mask requirement. The Task
Force also will consider any relevant exceptions to a requirement.
This follows a rich and thoughtful discussion of the issue among our Board of Regents
during their Tuesday meeting, as well as input we have received from students, faculty,
staff and community members. We appreciate the patience of our campus communities
and the general public as my office and the Board of Regents work deliberately and
methodically, in concert with state and local health officials, to evaluate our response
to the pandemic. Taking steps to reduce the risk of virus transmission among our students
and employees continues to be the first priority of the Montana University System
and the Commissioner’s Office.
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