Effective immediately, fully vaccinated students, faculty and staff will no longer be required to wear masks outdoors while alone or in small groups, UB said in a statement Friday.
Masks are still required to be worn at large gatherings and events, however, as well as inside all on-campus buildings and classrooms and at all commencement ceremonies.
The decision comes after the UB Health Guidelines committee met Wednesday to discuss new CDC guidelines on fully vaccinated individuals that were adopted by Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week.
An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, according to the CDC. Students who are not yet vaccinated are now eligible to receive the shot on South Campus, without making an appointment.
“The CDC announced new guidance today saying that when Americans who are fully vaccinated are outside, biking, hiking, running or in small gatherings, you don’t need to wear a mask,” Cuomo said in the statement.
Outdoor mask wearing will be “on the honor system,” as UB expects students and staff to behave responsibly, according to UB spokesperson David Hill.
The CDC guidance “reemphasizes” the importance of getting vaccinated and following public health guidelines.
Dan Eastman is the assistant managing editor and can be reached at danielson.eastman@ubspectrum.com
Dan Eastman is the assistant managing editor at The Spectrum. He is a senior geography major who loves Starbucks iced americano. When he isn’t writing and editing he is trying to find the best donut and cookie shops in Buffalo. He can be found on Twitter @TheEastMan2000.
