New York State In-depth

Syracuse University to drop mask requirement, halt mandatory Covid testing

Syracuse, NY — Syracuse University will drop its mask requirement on campus Aug. 15 regardless of the vaccination status of students, staff and visitors.

The change announced today is part of revised public health guidelines for the fall semester. The new guidelines recognize that “… for the foreseeable future, Covid-19 will represent a concern that is endemic to life on a college campus,” SU said in a letter to students and employees.

Masks will still be required on public transportation and in health care facilities in keeping with state Health Department rules.

SU said it strongly encourages all members of the campus community to consider masking based on an assessment of personal risk, especially when in large groups, high-density areas of campus, or after being exposed to a Covid-positive individual.

SU will continue to require all students and staff to be vaccinated against Covid unless they have approved religious or medical exemptions.

The school will halt mandatory Covid surveillance testing on campus.

Testing for symptomatic students will be available at the Barnes Center at The Arch. Symptomatic staff will have to get tested from community providers or use home test kits.

SU said it will distribute free Covid test kits at the beginning of the semester. Covid test kits also will be available at vending stations across campus.

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