CARBONDALE, Ill. (WSIL) -- As the CDC gives permission for fully vaccinated Americans to take off their mask, so have officials at SIU Carbondale.
Effective immediately for those who are fully vaccinated, face coverings and physical distancing will no longer be required indoor or outdoors.
Exceptions to this guidance include health care settings and public transportation, such as the SIU Student Health Center and Saluki Express, as well as for certain on-campus activities as described below.
SIU said if you're not fully vaccinated masks are still required for anyone over the age of two and able to medically tolerate a face covering.
"The science supports that fact if people are vaccinated they are NOT transmitting COVID. They aren't getting COVID so I'm excited," said Buffy Ellsworth, a faculty member at SIU-C.
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For those who are not fully vaccinated, officials said you'll be expected to continue following the CDC requirements when on campus, that includes standing at least six feet apart indoors or outdoors and washing continuously washing your hands.
Campus officials also encourage people to wear their masks if they feel the situation warrants it such as in large gatherings.
The university will continue to monitor the situation on campus, in the region and in the state and adjust as necessary.
