Penn State adjusts covid-19 masking policy at University Park, New Kensington, 4 other campuses

Penn State is no longer requiring indoor masking on the University Park campus.

The change, which was announced Friday, comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved Centre County to the medium covid-19 community level. The county had been at the high level the previous week.

The mask requirement was also lifted at the Great Valley, Lehigh Valley, New Kensington, Schuylkill and Scranton campuses based on the community levels in their home counties.

“Individuals who wish to continue wearing face masks on these campuses are encouraged to do so,” Penn State said in a statement.

Masks are still required indoors at the Abington, Beaver, Behrend, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre campuses as they are in the high community level.

The CDC’s community levels (low, medium and high) are based on hospital bed usage, hospital admissions and number of new covid-19 cases. In counties at the high level, the CDC recommends indoor masks for everyone. At the medium level, the CDC suggests those at high risk talk to their doctor about the need for a mask.

Community levels are updated on Thursdays, and if a county with a Penn State campus changes levels, the university will announce updated masking policies.