IUP requires face masks for indoor public settings

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is requiring all students, staff and visitors on campus to wear face coverings indoors in public settings, the school announced Monday.

The masking rule is in effect for everybody, regardless of vaccination status, starting Tuesday at 8 a.m., officials said.

“IUP is continuing its plan to return to fully face-to-face instruction for fall,” a statement from the university reads. “The change in IUP’s coronavirus mitigation policy related to masking adheres to the university’s continued precautions to keep its community safe, well, and together in person on campus to the fullest extent possible.”

Face coverings are also required on IndiGo buses as per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those in indoor private settings will not be required to wear a mask, and face coverings do not need to be worn outdoors at this time.

Other mitigation protocols like increased cleaning and air-sanitizing procedures, physical barriers in high-traffic areas, temperature kiosks, touchless water-filling stations and mask dispensers in buildings will be in place during the fall semester. A change in the class schedule will allow more time between classes for cleaning, officials said.

Safety kits, which include reusable masks, will be distributed to students and within departments.

Free covid-19 testing will be offered to students who are both symptomatic and asymptomatic beginning Aug. 23. School leaders will monitor test results and notify people identified as close contacts. Students who do test positive for covid-19 will be provided residence hall space to quarantine or will be advised to self-isolate.

According to the statement, “IUP is not legally permitted to require covid-19 vaccinations,” but it is joining the State System of Higher Education Board of Governors, the chancellor and the university presidents from state schools to encourage people to get vaccinated.

Information regarding positive cases at the Indiana County school will be shared on a covid-19 dashboard beginning Aug. 27.

“The IUP community has done an outstanding job following covid-19 guidelines,” the statement reads. “Thank you for your continued efforts to keep the IUP community safe and well.”