Citing concerns over the Delta variant and updated COVID-19 recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, the University of Minnesota on Monday announced new indoor masking guidelines that will take effect starting on Tuesday.
The updated requirement means that all students, staff, faculty, contractors, and visitors to University of Minnesota campuses, offices, and facilities, statewide, must wear facial coverings while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks will not be required outdoors.
"The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus appears to be much more easily transmitted, resulting in new CDC guidance on masking announced this week," wrote University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel. "This guidance recommends that in any county where the COVID transmission rate is shown to be substantial or high, individuals wear facial coverings while indoors, whether vaccinated or not."
Gabel's letter goes on to encourage individuals to get vaccinated as part of the university's Get the Vax initiative.
The University of Minnesota begins its fall semester on September 7. Students are not required to get vaccinated before returning for the fall semester.
