Photo: AFP
UCLA announced it is reinstating the universal indoor masking starting today due to a rise in coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County and on campus. The campus saw close to 870 new COVID-19 cases last week, placing it at a “severe” level. Officials said,
“It is important for us to respond to the current trends so that we can reduce the risk of infection without disruption to in-person learning and campus activities, including commencement celebrations. To stay ahead of the curve, our campus is taking several proactive measures.”
These protective measures include mandatory masking in indoor areas, weekly testing and monitoring, and “strongly” discouraging eating and drinking at indoor gatherings. Masks will be required indoors through June 15 and the mandate is subject to extension.
All students, staff, faculty affiliates and visitors will need to wear masks regardless of vaccination status and they are also “highly recommended” in off-campus settings. Non-UCLA owned buildings, performing arts rehearsals and performances, indoor dining and when in a room alone are the only exceptions.
For upcoming commencement ceremonies taking place indoors, all attendees will be required to wear masks indoors, including university affiliates and guests. Speakers may remove their masks while delivering graduation addresses, and graduates may “momentarily” remove masks while walking across the stage and while being photographed on or near the stage.
Free, upgraded masks are available at the UCLA emergency PPE supply store, the John Wooden Center, residence hall front desks, the Student Activities Center and the Ackerman Union at the A-level information window.
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