Salem State Delays Mask-Flexible Classroom Transition

SALEM, MA —The masks will remain on inside Salem State University classrooms a little while longer as the school determines "the best practices for how to implement" its transition to a mostly mask-optional campus.

The school made masks optional in residence halls, dining halls and the fitness center this week, and had planned to make the switch in offices and classrooms as of Monday. But based on concerns Salem State President John Keenan said members of the school community had about the new protocols, that will be delayed until March 21.

Two weeks in between — one of which is spring break — Keenan said will allow "opportunities for community members to ask their questions."

Lobbies, hallways, lounges, meeting rooms, offices and most indoor events will proceed with the mask-flexible transition on Monday.

"We know that there are strong feelings about masks and that some members of our community may feel be disappointed by this delay, and some members may feel relieved," Keenan said. "Regardless of how you feel about masks, we ask that you treat each other with kindness, care and respect."

Individual offices and workplaces on campus may still require masks and students are asked to keep them handy at all times in the event they encounter an area where they are necessary.

"It has been a challenging time for all of us," Keenan said. "We will get through it together."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)