Denton (1080 KRLD) - The University of North Texas has said they've been planning for a more "robust" experience when the fall semester opens.
As of June 1, masks will no longer be required indoors for vaccinated people. But social distancing is still strongly encouraged.
On Friday, UNT President, Dr. Neal Smatresk issued a message to the campus community updating COVID-19 guidelines on the Denton campus:
"With COVID-19 case counts down on campus and in our Denton community, I am excited to share that we are continuing our plans for a full Fall 2021 university experience. UNT safety committees have been diligently reviewing federal and state guidance and making recommendations for how we apply the rapidly evolving changes to our campus operations.
The most immediate change is that we are eliminating outdoor mask requirements on campus as of today, and I'm pleased to share the following changes that will be effective on or before June 1.
-Indoor mask requirements will be eliminated.
-Conversion of classroom spaces to their pre-COVID configuration has begun. Capacity signage will be posted to be equivalent to the university social distancing standard.
-Visitors are permitted on campus, including visiting student and faculty scholars, media, and other guests. (Note that third-party rentals of university spaces are still prohibited and university events still need approval by the events subcommittee.)
-Water fountains are being turned back on.
-Work items can be shared – such as pens and paper – following CDC guidance regarding a lack of evidence to support the transmission of COVID-19 via surfaces.
-Elevator occupancy limits are lifted."
Smatresk also urged students and staff to get vaccinated if they haven't done so yet.
"A vaccination does not mean you cannot contract COVID-19," Smatresk said in the statement. "But the risk of becoming sick is extremely low and you can no longer transmit the virus to others. Let's make UNT an even safer place to study and work through vaccinations."
