Penn State University will require all students, faculty, staff and visitors at all its campuses to wear masks while indoors, responding to a statewide surge in coronavirus cases. The requirement includes those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated and is effective as of August 4.
“As we continue to see daily increases in COVID-19 cases, particularly the delta variant, our current outlook warrants this protective step,” President Eric Barron said in a written statement.
Barron added that Penn State is still planning “robust, in-person experiences” for the fall semester.
As published by the Penn State University website, community members will be required to wear masks indoors, including in all classrooms, regardless of size, as well as in meeting rooms, common areas in residence halls, and at any indoor events.
All individuals on campus will be permitted to eat in designated food service areas, and students living in residence halls will not be required to wear a mask in their living space. In addition, vaccinated employees with individual offices are not required to wear a mask in their personal office.
Masking until the surge subsides
Penn State students, faculty, staff members and visitors should plan to wear masks indoors on campus until the current COVID-19 surge subsides.
In accordance with CDC guidance, all individuals must wear a face mask while using public transportation.
According to fresnobee.com, the school is also urging students and employees to get vaccinated. Anyone not fully vaccinated by Aug. 9 will be required to undergo virus testing during the fall semester, officials said.
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More than 30 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are now considered to have substantial or high levels of community transmission, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with half of Penn State’s 20 campuses located in these counties.
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