MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The indoor mask mandate on all West Virginia University campuses has been extended through Oct. 20, the university announced Tuesday.
The original mandate was to be in effect through Wednesday, Oct. 6.
WVU officials said the mandate, which includes all campus buildings regardless of vaccination status, has been working.
“We want to continue to be a good community partner to help further prevent the spread of the delta variant, and keeping these indoor mask requirements in place is the right decision given we have not yet seen a substantial decrease in hospitalization rates,” Dr. Jeffrey Coben, dean of the School of Public Health and associate vice president for Health Affairs said in a Tuesday news release. “This move will also allow for the adequate assessment of the COVID-19 status on our campuses following the University’s Fall Break (Oct. 7-8).”
We’re extending requirements for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask indoors in all WVU System buildings and facilities through Oct. 20.
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— WVU Mountaineers (@WestVirginiaU) October 5, 2021
Data from WVU says nearly 75% of all employees and 79% of students have verified they are fully vaccinated. Positive cases, quarantine and isolation reports among students and faculty are very low compared to state data.
Officials remind students, staff and visitors masks must be worn properly above the nose and must be kept on while inside buildings. Masks are also required on all public transportation by order of the Transportation Security Administration.
Failure to comply with the policy could result disciplinary action.
The mandate does not include Milan Puskar Stadium.