Just four days after sending a “Fall 2021 Update” email about returning to campus, President Pistole sent another email reading: “Effective immediately, August 10, facial coverings worn over the nose and mouth will be required indoors throughout campus.”
The email explains that masks are required by all students, employees, guests, faculty and staff regardless of vaccination status. Masks are only required for indoor spaces and social distancing is not required at this time. Residential buildings will operate as “floor as family” so students don’t have to wear masks on their floor unless hosting a guest. Athletes, coaches, student-athletes and support staff will follow NCAA recommendations.
According to the CDC, “cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to increase.” AU will continue to monitor COVID-19 data and adjust regulations accordingly. “We ask for your patience as we consider and respond to the rapidly changing public health guidance from the CDC, NCAA, state and county authorities with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants,” Pistole said.
The mask requirement will be re-evaluated two weeks into the semester on Sept. 10. Pistole ensures that AU “will continue to operate as a fully open campus and not require the vaccine.” He explained, “We will continue to adjust our public health strategies for the safety of our campus, as the threat of COVID-19 fluxuates.”
AU’s statistics can be monitored on the COVID-19 dashboard found at https://anderson.edu/coronavirus/.