GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WESH) — The University of Florida expects everyone on campus to wear a mask, even if they are vaccinated, officials said in a release.
The university has put out guidelines for the upcoming fall semester to ensure the health and safety of those on campus and prevent further spread of COVID-19, officials said.
“We expect everyone to wear a mask at all times when inside any UF facility, even if you are vaccinated,” the release said.
Though it does not say masks are mandatory, it does say the expectation is that students, faculty, staff, vendors and visitors will all wear masks on campus.
The school also suggests that those who are not vaccinated should get vaccinated.
“Students should aim to be fully vaccinated but if unable, should strive to have at least one shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine no later than August 22,” officials say.
Students who get their first shot outside of school can still get their second dose on campus. The university provided the following link for details on where students can get vaccinated: https://coronavirus.ufhealth.org/vaccinations/vaccine-availability/.
The University of Florida also reminded students that if they are sick to stay home, self-quarantine and get tested no sooner than 24 hours after symptoms begin.
“We will continue our robust contact tracing program through UF Health Screen, Test & Protect in partnership with the Florida Department of Health,” officials said.
There will no longer be on-campus quarantine or isolation space for students. An online version of every class will not be offered and isolated or quarantined students will be forced to miss those classes.
“Anyone who chooses not to be vaccinated assumes a significant risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. As previously communicated, UF cannot be responsible for that risk, given the ready availability of vaccine, and cannot modify the operation of the entire university for a minority of people who may choose not to be vaccinated,” the release said.