Blackhawk Technical College will make masks optional in all of its buildings, beginning Monday, Feb. 28.

BTC leadership and the College’s Emergency Preparedness Committee made the decision Friday, Feb. 25, in response to decreasing COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

“It has been a challenging two years, as we have navigated the ups and downs of this pandemic. Today, we have reached a significant pivot point, and I am reminded how grateful I am for this community. Your cooperation and endurance throughout this time is truly appreciated,” Dr. Tracy Pierner, BTC president, said in an email to staff and students.

BTC will continue to provide masks at all of its locations for any student, employee or visitor who wants to continue wearing a mask.

The federal requirement for masks on public transportation remains currently unchanged. All individuals who ride on a BTC shuttle must continue to wear a mask.

The CDC unveiled a new tool Friday to help communities determine what preventative measures to take based on the latest data that now incorporates both hospitalizations and case counts. Under the new metrics, most people nationwide can stop wearing masks indoors. The CDC also is dropping its recommendation for universal school masking in areas with low to medium hospitalization rates.