GSU to retain mask requirement while indoors
Though the University of Louisiana System removed its systemwide mask mandate Friday, Grambling State University won’t fully follow suit just yet.
In an email statement Tuesday, the university announced the mask requirement on campus would be dropped for outdoor areas going forward, but face coverings will still be mandatory inside buildings.
“Current COVID-19 protocols (e.g. getting vaccinated; practicing social distancing and good hygiene’ staying home when sick) will be retained,” the statement says. “However, mask wearing will only be required when indoors. Masks will not be required in outdoor spaces.”
The ULS lifted its mandate days after Gov. John Bel Edwards said he would be phasing out the statewide mask requirement for school campuses last week. Louisiana Tech announced Friday it would do away with its own requirement as well.
GSU cleared campus soon after the state’s stay-at-home order went into effect in March of 2020, and classes remained largely online through the fall 2020 semester, with a few select courses like clinical labs being offered in person.
The return to campus began in the spring 2021 semester, with maskwearing required at every point on campus.
“Because the COVID-19 pandemic persists in its nature as a dynamic event, Grambling State’s highest priority continues to be the health and safety of students, faculty, staf and the community at large,” the university’s statement says.
