MOON TOWNSHIP– As COVID-19 cases rise in the Western Pennsylvania region and mask mandates start to return, Robert Morris has decided to follow suit for the start of the 2021 fall semester. 

In an email from the university, they lay out the plan for the upcoming year.

“In response to a dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in western Pennsylvania, Robert Morris University will require all members of the campus community and all visitors to wear masks while indoors, effective tomorrow — Tuesday, August 17”. 

This comes after an announcement in the spring when the university said that the school would be returning back to normal.

“While we know this is a frustrating development, masking indoors will help to ensure a safe return to full in-person instruction and activities for the fall semester. This is a temporary measure, and we will lift this requirement as soon as we deem it safe to do so.” 

As the move-in dates for most students are in the next two weeks and classes begin on August 30, for the moment, everyone must wear a mask indoors. 

The university also wanted to take the time to remind everyone to get their vaccine. 

“We also want to take this opportunity to again urge you to get fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, if you have not already done so. Vaccination is required for all students enrolled for in-person classes, students who reside in on-campus housing, and students involved in club sports and intercollegiate athletics”

“Remember, today (August 16) is the deadline to submit proof of vaccination or apply for an exemption…Students who are vaccinated will not be required to participate in re-entry testing or surveillance testing.”

As the summer break comes to an end the university is looking for a safe start to the semester for 2021.