Administration

Current masking and physical distancing guidance remains in effect

University is evaluating new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance

At this time, masking and physical distancing continues to be required — regardless of vaccination status — inside Penn State campus buildings and on public transportation across all campuses. When outdoors on campus, vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask or practice physical distancing, however individuals who are not vaccinated must continue to wear masks when physical distancing from individuals outside of the same household or “pod” is not possible. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is currently evaluating the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and update from the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding masking for fully vaccinated individuals and will provide additional guidance to the University community.

While the review is underway, masking and physical distancing is expected by all individuals — regardless of vaccination status — inside Penn State campus buildings and on public transportation across all campuses. When outdoors on campus, vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask or practice physical distancing, however individuals who are not vaccinated must continue to wear masks when physical distancing from individuals outside of the same household or “pod” is not possible. Additional commencement ceremonies should continue to follow planned masking and physical distancing regardless of location.

“Penn State is a complex organization, which is spread across the entire commonwealth. So, while we are reviewing the new federal and state guidelines, we ask that our community continue to follow the defined University guidance to protect the health and safety of our community,” said Penn State President Eric Barron. “In addition, all students are strongly encouraged to upload their vaccine information through MyUHS, and a similar capability is planned for faculty and staff. With this information we will be better able to assess vaccination rates.”

The new CDC guidance eliminates masking or physical distancing requirements for vaccinated individuals, however it notes exceptions “where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” In Pennsylvania, masking for unvaccinated individuals will be lifted when 70% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated. In addition, the Borough of State College currently requires masking for everyone inside public buildings, municipal buildings, public transportation and gyms.

Penn State continues to strongly encourage all students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as they are able to do so. In addition, the University is encouraging all students to upload their COVID-19 vaccine records. Students at University Park and all Commonwealth Campuses can upload their vaccine information now into the MyUHS portal as soon as their vaccine series is complete.

To find a vaccination site, the Department of Health website features a map of vaccine providers, which includes hospitals, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices and pharmacies. Several pharmacies, Mount Nittany Medical Center and Centre Volunteers in Medicine are also administering vaccines in the Centre Region.

For more information on vaccine distribution, visit Pennsylvania’s vaccine website. The latest vaccination information for University community members is available on Penn State’s virus information website.

Last Updated June 1, 2021