PITTSBURGH (TNS) — Students at Clarion, Edinboro and California universities can expect in-person spring classes next week, but also updated procedures to thwart the highly transmissible omicron variant, including use of disposable surgical masks in campus buildings.
Basic cloth masks, bandannas are other informal face coverings are no longer acceptable, officials said in a note to students, families and employees at the three schools on Thursday.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Slippery Rock also have notified students of their intent to hold in-person classes when spring semester begins.
Clarion, Edinboro and Cal U enroll 14,500 students and are part of the State System of Higher Education. All three are being merged, so the rules apparently apply to all three.
”They take effect as classes begin Tuesday and will stay in place at least through Feb. 1, at which time we will reassess the situation and the latest guidance from state and federal healthcare organizations.,” said Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, Clarion president and interim chief executive of California and Edinboro.
”Students in clinical, student teaching, and other out-of-class assignments should follow the guidance of their placement location,” she said.
Disposable surgical masks or higher-grade masks (KN95 or KF94) must be worn at all times while inside university facilities.
Asked about the available supply of surgical masks, Tina Horner, a spokeswoman, said “Regarding the university supplying masks: We’ll have a limited supply at the beginning of the semester, while supplies last, for those who do not have access to the proper masks.”
Officials at IUP and Slippery Rock cited health guidelines recommending surgical masks, as opposed to other coverings, but stopped short of saying they will be required.
Elsewhere in Pennsylvania, other State System universities also are planning for in-person classes, spokesman Cody Jones said Thursday, though some may opt to begin the semester remotely if it best suits local circumstances. Schools including Bloomsburg and Lock Haven universities have indicated they will do so given rising omicron cases.
Officials across the State System and other public and private campuses have been scrambling since the winter break to prepare for spring classes amid the omicron surge, which, while believed to be less severe, is seen as far more transmissible than the delta variant.
The University of Pittsburgh began the semester mostly remote, with students being asked to shelter-in-place through a phased move-in. Penn State University began the semester fully in person on Monday.
