Fully vaccinated people no longer required to wear masks in Carrier Dome
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Fully-vaccinated people will no longer be required to wear a mask in Carrier Dome beginning Wednesday, according to a campus-wide email.
Mike Haynie, Syracuse University’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, wrote in the email Tuesday that the decision was made after reviewing the pandemic conditions both on campus and throughout the region over the past few days.
People who are vaccine-exempt or who have not yet been fully vaccinated will still be required to wear masks, except when actively eating or drinking, Haynie said. Masks will still be required at the COVID-19 testing center in the Dome.
Visitors aged 5 years and older will be required to show proof of full vaccination or proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test to enter the Dome. Visitors younger than 5 are exempt from this requirement.
Additionally, Haynie said that performers scheduled to appear at the Dome may require attendees to wear a mask. Such requirements will be communicated on a case-by-case basis.
SU has been under its “BLUE” COVID-19 alert level since Feb. 21. Under this level, all students, faculty and staff are required to wear masks during academic instruction regardless of vaccination status.
Masks are recommended, but not mandated, for vaccinated people indoors in the presence of others and outdoors in large groups. The university may also require people to wear masks during non-academic events on a case-by-case basis.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Sunday the state will lift the statewide mask requirement in schools effective Wednesday, including for children 2 years and older in childcare facilities. Counties and cities may still require masks in such settings. The state previously ended its statewide mask-or-vaccine mandate for indoor businesses on Feb. 10.
“This action represents the latest step in the University’s ongoing efforts to transition its public health strategy from pandemic to endemic disease response,” Haynie wrote in the email. “We will continue monitoring public health conditions and share additional action as necessary.”