Shippensburg University interim president Charles Patterson issued an email on March 1 announcing a revised masking policy. In an effort to begin the process of unmasking on campus, students, faculty and staff do not have to wear masks inside campus buildings with some exceptions. The change follows updated masking guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Beginning Thursday, March 3, at 8 a.m., individuals do not have to wear masks outdoors or in most buildings, but masks are still required in classrooms.
Other areas still requiring masks are labs, clinical areas or when requested in faculty and staff offices. Anyone who wants to make their office, lab or other space as a mask-required area can contact the COVID-19 Office for signage indicating this.
Masks are also still required when visiting the Etter Health Center, the University Counseling Center, a COVID-19 testing center and while riding all public transportation, including the Capital Area Transit (CAT) buses.
Student athletes are to continue masking when using the Department of Sports Medicine and while traveling to and from external colleges and universities.
If COVID-19 cases continue to decline on campus, the campus may see even more easing of masking requirements. However, if cases rise, the implementation of masks in all indoor spaces may resurface. As of now, all students, faculty and staff are to continue always carrying a mask with them.
In a closing note, Patterson encouraged members of the campus community to respect other’s decisions. “At all levels, individuals should make their own decisions regarding mask usage. People may still wear a mask based on personal preference, or as informed by their personal level of risk,” he said.
SU will continue to monitor COVID-19 cases in our community and surrounding counties throughout and after spring break.
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