With COVID-19 cases declining rapidly at IU and throughout the state, the university intends to make masks optional at all campuses beginning March 4. The action will coincide with the anticipated expiration of state and county public health orders on that date.

Classrooms, residence halls, dining spaces, building common areas and IU Athletics venues are all examples of indoor spaces where mask use will be optional.

Masks will continue to be worn in health-care settings and research spaces.

Dr. Aaron Carroll, chief health officer for IU, says personal choice should increasingly drive decisions related to mask wearing and other precautions: “One-way masking — an individual’s decision to continue wearing a mask — is encouraged for anyone more comfortable wearing a mask in public spaces.”

IU will continue to distribute KN95 and N95 masks.

IU Fort Wayne follows protocols established by Purdue University Fort Wayne.