UofSC students, faculty and staff required to wear masks indoors, the rule applies to fully vaccinated too

Just a few days after CDC announced the new mask guidelines, University of South Carolina said they will require students, faculty and staff to wear face masks indoors starting this fall.

The face masks requirement will apply for both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated while they are in the campus buildings.

UofSC explained that there will places where students are not required to wear face masks including their dorm rooms, private office or dining halls.

Additionally, face coverings will not be required outdoors.

In an online statement, Acting President Harris Pastides said he is “disappointed that these measures are necessary.”

He also encourages every student and staff to get vaccinated against Covid-19 since the vaccine is the most effective way to keep everyone safe from the virus.

The University of South Carolina decision came just three days after CDC announced new recommendations over wearing masks. According to their announcement on July 27, all residents, including the fully vaccinated, are recommended to wear masks in public especially in areas with high infection rates.

As of now, DHEC reports that 44.5% of the state population is fully vaccinated, while 51% of the people have received at lease one dose of the vaccines against Covid-19.

The classes are set to start August 23. The University’s new rule went into effect immediately.