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We have met our goal of keeping our COVID-19 testing positivity rates consistently below 4 percent for the past several weeks, and the latest guidance from the CDC indicates that all of our domestic campuses are at the “Low” level of transmission, which now means the CDC no longer recommends that masks be required indoors.

Mason’s positivity rate – the percentage of those being tested who are positive for COVID-19 –remains consistently far below the 4 percent threshold, at 0.38 percent. This success, combined with Mason’s 95-percent overall vaccination rate, as well as the continued overall drop in COVID-19 spread throughout the region and nation, now make the pivot to optional mask-wearing more viable.

Amira Roess, professor in the Department of Global and Community, offers insight into practicing proper mask usage, such as identifying which masks are most effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and how long you should wear the masks before they are considered ineffective. 

Farrokh Alemi, professor of Health Administration and Policy, is working on a new study to identify a connection between COVID-19 and suicide among essential workers. The study aims to offer evidence-based policy recommendations for improving mental health and preventing suicide in essential workers.

A team of #MasonCHHS researchers designed an app to combat the growing mental health concerns affecting undergraduate students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers created a predictive health app that detects when undergraduate students are exhibiting behavioral, emotional, and academic concerns and connects the students to appropriate resources, such as Mason's Counseling and Psychological Services.

Amria Roess, professor in the Department of Global and Community Health, answers frequently asked questions relating to the new COVID-19 Omicron variant.