A student walks down the library stairs wearing a mask.

Southwestern College will reinstate its mask mandate for the 2022 summer session and the fall 2022 semester. Members of Southwestern College’s reopening committee looked at the rise in new local COVID-19 infection rates to reinstate the college’s mask mandate that was set to lift on June 6.

Masks will remain required in all indoor buildings and facilities at all Southwestern College campuses including the Higher Education Centers and the Crown Cove Aquatic Center.

Certain programs, such as performing arts and athletics, may be granted exemptions from wearing a mask. Vaccines remain required for Southwestern College students and employees and boosters are highly recommended for all. 

In the event new case infection rates experience a significant decline, Southwestern College may remove the face mask requirement in indoor spaces.  Southwestern College’s reopening committee will continue to review local case rates and update the district’s campus health guidelines based on current COVID-19 case metrics. In addition, Southwestern College has been working with local public health experts in obtaining input and feedback on our health and safety protocols.

According to local public health officials, wearing a mask and being fully vaccinated, including boosters, remain the best and safest ways to protect our community from COVID-19. Visit the San Diego County’s vaccine website to find a vaccine site near you.