Purdue adjusts mask policy for non-instructional spaces
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Effective July 1, Purdue University will no longer require masks in many of its indoor spaces for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Specifically, masks will no longer be required in non-instructional campus spaces such as research spaces, dining venues, the France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center, offices, lobbies and libraries. Other Protect Purdue measures, such as social distancing, may continue to be enforced in these spaces as needed. Full Protect Purdue masking protocols are available online. For now, masks will continue to be required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in classroom and instructional spaces.
“Through our policies and Protect Purdue Pledge, we have focused on personal responsibility to protect ourselves, others and our community,” said Eric Barker, dean of the College of Pharmacy and leader of the Protect Purdue Health Monitoring and Surveillance team. “We know our faculty, staff and students are dedicated to these goals as we work toward a return to more normal operations on the West Lafayette campus. We will continue to monitor very closely case numbers, vaccine rates, and severity for any indications of concern and will revisit this policy frequently for necessary modifications.”
Violations of this new mask policy by those who are unvaccinated or who do not have their vaccination record on file with Purdue will be considered violations of the Protect Purdue Pledge and will be subject to disciplinary action.
“A high vaccination rate is the surest way to achieve a sustained low case number and allow a full return to normal,” Barker said. “We continue to encourage everyone in our community who can safely do so to get vaccinated, and we thank everyone for continuing to help in our efforts toward the safest possible community.”
Overwhelming participation by Boilermakers in following the Protect Purdue Pledge and protocols allowed the university to remain as open and densely populated as any university of its size. Although variables associated with the COVID-19 pandemic could cause plans to be modified, Purdue is planning on full restoration of an in-person residential experience for the Fall 2021 semester, strategically re-densifying classrooms and ending routine surveillance testing requirements for the fully vaccinated.
As always, the Protect Purdue team will be guided by the latest science and medical experts, and all rules and regulations will be subject to change. If a surge caused by variants or unvaccinated members of the campus community occurs, the masking policy could be readjusted.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is not required on the Purdue campus but strongly encouraged. Students and employees who provide valid documentation of full vaccination status against COVID-19 by Aug. 13 may enjoy greater amounts of choice as it pertains to activities on campus. Those choosing not to be vaccinated opt instead to participate in regular surveillance testing, beginning Aug. 23, and understand that fewer campus activities may be available to them this fall.
Students who are fully vaccinated and register their status are entered into a drawing where they can win one of 10 $9,992 cash gifts. Faculty and staff who register their fully vaccinated status are entered into a drawing to win one of 50 prizes.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/.
Media contact: Tim Doty, doty2@purdue.edu, 765-494-2080