SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)– Students and faculty at Syracuse University started wearing masks again on Tuesday as the mask mandate was reinstated by the university. The new mandate came after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified Onondaga County as an area with substantial COVID-19 cases.
Onondaga County Executive, Ryan McMahon recommends wearing masks indoors and has mandated masks for nursing homes. However, he did not mandate it for the general public. Syracuse Mayor, Ben Walsh followed the county executive’s lead by not mandating masks for the general public as well. According to CNY Central, Walsh believes the city and the county need to be on the same page when it comes to a mask mandate.
Jen Jordan a junior at Syracuse University, wishes that the city and the county would change its stance on the decision not to mandate masks for the general public.
“As a student, I would love if they did because I am a visitor in the county, but I do recognize the general population of Onondaga County and Syracuse definitely doesn’t agree with me.”
As for the university, the Bird Library on campus is not concerned about the masks requirement.
“We transitioned back to it easily. We have plenty of masks for people who need. At the moment there is no particular effect on us,” said David Seaman, the dean of libraries.
While it is unsure when the mask requirement will be lifted, Jordan says she is willing to do her part in keeping the campus community safe.
“If I have to wear a mask for the summer to have in-person class in the fall, I don’t care I’ll do it. I just don’t really want to go back online again.”
Syracuse University requires all students and staff to be fully vaccinated before they return to campus except for those who cannot take the vaccine due to reasons like religious beliefs. However, for the students who did opt out of taking the vaccine, they are required to always wear a mask and get tested once a week.
