As mask mandate ends, UM profs report mental health decline

As COVID-19 cases plunge in Missoula from an Omicron peak in early February, the University of Montana is making big changes to its long-standing pandemic policies. As of March 3, students and staff are no longer required to wear masks indoors. 

While the change may mark a turning point in the pandemic, the effects of COVID-19 adaptations are lingering. In a recent survey of UM professors by the University Faculty Association, nearly 90% reported a negative impact to their mental health during the pandemic.

On this episode, Kaimin Cast host Austin Amestoy chats with a professor of sociology to gauge his thoughts on the end of the mask mandate, the challenges professors face during the pandemic and where things should go from here. 

A full transcript of this episode and all our previous episodes is available online at www.montanakaimin.com/the_kaimin_cast

 

Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.