Two weeks ahead of Commencement, the University of Lynchburg has loosened its face-covering policy. Effective Friday, May 7, students, faculty, staff, and guests will no longer be required to wear masks when outside if they can maintain a physical distance of six feet.
The policy was changed this afternoon and announced in President Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar’s weekly campuswide email.
Masks will still be required inside all campus buildings. The change in policy is the result of a recent recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Gov. Northam’s recently amended Executive Order #72.
Masks are also still required outside at large campus events when physical distancing cannot be maintained and when hosting a large number of guests. Specifically, masks will be required outside for all attendees at Commencement events as mandated by Gov. Northam.
The University retains the right to invoke the outdoor mask policy for any event on campus.
All other safety protocols remain in effect to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Details may be found on the COVID-19 webpage.
Currently, there are no cases of COVID-19 on campus, but continued vigilance — such as hand-washing, physical distancing, and continued mask-wearing inside — is necessary to complete the semester safely, Morrison-Shetlar said.
“I am so looking forward to Commencement — now just two weeks away — and the hope that summer brings,” she said. “And, I am really excited to see some smiling faces — sans masks — as I continue to thank our students personally for all they have done to keep us safe and together this year.”
She added that the University is “committed to a return to face-to-face classes for fall.” The COVID-19 Task Force will release the Fall 2021 plan and an updated public health plan on June 1.
