NKU announces new indoor masking requirement for those vaccinated and unvaccinated

An email from the office of the provost sent out on Tuesday morning details Northern Kentucky University’s new indoor mask mandate, stating that masks will be required indoors on campus for those vaccinated and unvaccinated starting on Aug. 4.

“Unfortunately, the risk of infection with the Delta variant of COVID-19 is very high in our region and we must take steps to protect our campus community … We have no choice but to require masks indoors on campus for all persons, vaccinated and unvaccinated,” the email states. 

NKU will be providing a limited amount of reusable masks to all faculty, staff and students with an All Card from the Student Union Information Desk on the second floor during normal business hours. 

Disposable masks will also be available. “Limited quantities of disposable masks may be available at the Welcome Center, Student Union and University Center Information Desks, Steely Library Distribution Desk, and Campus Recreation during normal business hours,” the email states. 

The email encourages those who have not yet been vaccinated to receive their vaccination. 

“We strongly encourage individuals to get a COVID-19 vaccination. The current growth in infections underscores the urgency of increasing the number of vaccinated individuals in our region. The vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious disease. Please get vaccinated if you have not done so already,” the email states. 

NKU Health, Counseling and Student Wellness is currently offering free vaccines and Kentucky residency is not required to receive vaccinations. You can call (859) 572-5650 or email hcsw@nku.edu for an appointment. 

The email states that getting vaccinated is the only way to ease these restrictions throughout the university. 

“The rising spike of Delta variant cases should remind us all that we are still not clear of the global pandemic … The only way to ease restrictions is to increase the vaccination rate on our campus and in the region,” the email states. 

Students in need of health services, student wellness, counseling services or COVID-19 information can visit Health, Counseling, and Student Wellness. 

Faculty and staff in need of online resources and counseling are encouraged to take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program through Aetna. 

To find out more about the Delta variant, click here. 

To view FAQs about the Delta variant, click here.