LAWRENCE, Kan. (WDAF) – KU students will be required to wear masks indoors, according to a new mask mandate that impacts college campuses in Lawrence and Overland Park.

The mandate comes into effect on Monday, August 9. It requires everyone on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. KU also strongly recommends masks in the crowded outdoor spaces of these campuses.

You can consult the full text of the mask policy for more details.

Chancellor Douglas Girod shared the news of the mask’s tenure in a letter posted online. He said the decision was made after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed their mask guidelines due to the increase in COVID-19 cases caused by the Delta variant.

Girod pointed out that other universities in the region including Kansas State University, Wichita State University and the four University of Missouri campuses have adopted similar mask mandates in recent days. .

The Chancellor went on to write that he hopes the new mask tenure will be short-lived and allow the KU to prioritize health and safety.

The university is also asking students and staff to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, but says it cannot force anyone to be vaccinated due to state law.

KU said the vaccines are available free in Douglas County and elsewhere. Information on upcoming clinics is available from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health.

Students and staff can also make an appointment for vaccination with Watkins Health Services. The university said it also plans to offer a vaccination clinic specifically for international students, as well as walk-in opportunities for all students.

Students can expect additional information on incentives to complete immunizations as the fall semester approaches.