Updated as of May 25, 2021 at 9:15 a.m. to include information from a university spokesperson.
Elon University will no longer require those who are vaccinated to wear masks and maintain physical distance while indoors starting June 1. According to an email from Jeff Stein, chair of the Ready & Resilient Committee, Elon will align with the guidance from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state of North Carolina, with some exceptions.
“We ask everyone to understand that each individual has different experiences, family and medical situations, and feelings as we navigate this process,” Stein wrote.
An Elon University spokesperson declined to comment on the new mask policy.
Junior Teagan Blum is staying on campus for part of the summer for his job and to complete summer courses. Blum said he believes that the new mask policy is headed in the right direction since a number of Elon members are vaccinated.
“Because we are vaccinated, I feel like it’s safe to be unmasked,” Blum said.
Beginning May 26, those who are vaccinated may remove their masks indoors when in small groups with others who are vaccinated. Those who are not vaccinated are still required to wear masks indoors at all times and complete regular testing.
“Please show care and respect in the weeks ahead and as we work together to become comfortable with meeting in person, without masks and without distancing,” Stein wrote.
According to the email from Stein, the university has not decided if vaccines will be required for students, faculty and staff.