Hotspots on SU Campus Less Crowded Amidst Mask Policy Popular Spots of the Syracuse Campus Become Less Crowded Amidst Mask Policy

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — A week into the new mask policy, the popular hotspots of Syracuse University are seeing a dip in population.

Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie announced on August 2 that the university will ask students, faculty, staff and visitors to where masks while indoors on campus, including those who are fully vaccinated. In particular, The Barnes Center and the University Student Store have seen fewer patrons and customers through their doors this past week.

At The Barnes Center, masks always stay on unless using the pool. This includes the use of free weights, machines and the basketball courts.

Natalie Stopyra, a Syracuse student and an employee at the University Campus Store, says she expected the mask policy to come back and the summer tourists who have come in the store have respected the policy.

“It’s not too big of a problem to me, because we’ve done it before. I can just put it right back on. It’s not an issue if it’s for the greater good, I think it’s alright” she said.

The university has yet to provide any further updates regarding this policy. In the initial email, it says it is only temporary until transmission rates decrease appropriately.

With fall Semester starting on August 30, it might not be until October when the mask policy is lifted.

MARCUS VEAL: Since Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie announced on August second that the university will ask students and employees to where masks while indoors on campus, the most crowded parts of campus haven’t been all that crowded. An employee at the Barnes Center, who asked to remain anonymous, says masks stay on unless using the pool.

BARNES CENTER EMPLOYEE: Cases are getting bad and I want a normal school year, so if that means wearing a mask
I’m totally okay with that.

VEAL: Natalie Stopyra, a Syracuse student and an employee at the University Campus Store, says she expected the mask policy to happen and the summer tourists have respected it.

NATALIE STOPYRA: It’s not too big of a problem to me, becuase we’ve done it before. I can just put it right back on. It’s not an issue if it’s for the greater good.

VEAL: No further updates regarding this policy have been provided from the university. Marcus Veal, N-C-C News.

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