Masks now 'strongly recommended', not required, at Northeast

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska school is adjusting its mask requirements.

According to Northeast Community College director of public relations James Curry, masks are no longer required, but rather "strongly recommended" in all Northeast buildings.

Faculty and staff still have the authority to require face masks in their classrooms, offices, and as sponsors of specific meetings or events, according to Curry.

The change came from a recommendation from the college's COVID-19 recovery team last week. The recommendation has since been endorsed by administration.

In an email sent to News Channel Nebraska, Curry said the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of face masks did not factor into the decision to return masking to "strongly recommended" instead of required. Rather, the recovery team based the decision on not having the necessary resources or the time to enforce a mask requirement in all college buildings and at all Northeast events.

The recovery team will continue to meet to monitor the COVID-19 situation.