Syracuse University is re-imposing mask mandates, even though students and staff are almost all vaccinated, and students aren’t getting sick of COVID at a higher rate. The College Fix reports:
University reports there has been no uptick in ‘symptomatic illness’
Syracuse University recently reinstated a universal mask mandate during academic instruction for students, faculty and staff.
Starting today, the university shifted to a “blue” rating, requiring students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks at all times during academic instruction and “during non-academic events and in certain facilities.” Unvaccinated students are required to wear masks in groups indoors and outdoors.
“We have experienced an increase in new cases and test positivity on campus over the past 10 days,” Vice Chancellor Michael Haynie wrote in a statement. “Given the high vaccination rate among our campus community, the most recent uptick of new cases on campus has not resulted in heightened levels of symptomatic illness among students, staff and faculty.
“That said, given that New York State public health law mandates a five-day isolation period for those who test positive, the surge in new cases and associated class absences has increasingly disrupted the academic experience,” Haynie stated.
As Campus Reform notes, “Columbia University, American University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Johns Hopkins University have all announced indoor mask mandates starting this April.”
Universities have suspended students for being maskless, even outdoors, and even off campus. Even when the students are vaccinated.
Earlier, some colleges shut down due to the omicron variant of the coronavirus, even though it wasn’t causing any serious illness on campus.
