By John Mineses
News Editor
Fully vaccinated individuals now have the option of not wearing face coverings in all non-academic spaces starting March 7.
The FDU community received an email update from Dr. Robert Pignatello regarding the new face covering policy on March 3. These non-academic spaces include residence halls, dining facilities, athletic events, and all non-instructional spaces.
Face coverings will still be required in classrooms, labs, tutoring spaces and other academic areas regardless of vaccination status. The same rules apply in Student Health and Counseling Centers and in University sponsored travel (planes, buses, etc.).
Those who are not fully vaccinated or have a vaccine exemption are required to have a face covering in all indoor spaces.
Fully vaccinated individuals may still choose to wear a mask in all indoor spaces on campus.
“Please bear in mind that many individuals who are fully vaccinated may elect to continue wearing face masks while indoors and otherwise while on campus. Everyone who wishes to continue to wear a face mask in these settings is welcome to do so,” said Pignatello via email.
He also stresses that with these new policies, students and faculty will continue to cooperate with surveillance testing to continue to gauge risk factors and ensure the safety of others.
Pignatello hopes that with these new, loosened policies the FDU Community and the region can keep the safety and conditions improving in order for more adjustments in the upcoming weeks.
Nonetheless, reinstations of the previous face covering policy may happen if conditions worsen. The University continues to make decisions based on region and community numbers, and guidance from the CDC.
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Art by John Mineses
