By Tim Mastro

NEWARK — The University of Delaware announced Friday it will require masks in all indoor facilities for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals with limited exceptions, effective immediately.

The mandate covers all campus buildings, including classrooms, hallways, laboratories, residence halls and offices. UD said masks should be worn in dining areas, except when eating or drinking.

Masks are not required inside a student’s residence hall room or floor community, according to a UD press release. Additional guidelines for mask-wearing in residence halls can be found on the university’s webpage.

Outdoors, all individuals, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, should wear a mask or maintain distancing of at least 3 feet from others, the university said. Information pertaining to athletic events will be coming soon.

“Over the last several weeks, the nation has seen a steady rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, with hospitalizations and deaths increasing once more, primarily among those who are not vaccinated,” UD officials said in a statement.

The latest guidance from UD is consistent with recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks indoors in counties where COVID-19 transmission levels are either substantial or high. All three counties in Delaware currently have substantial levels of transmission, according to CDC.

Vaccinations are required for all students on campus, the university announced back in May. UD also said, as of Aug. 15, staff on campus who are not vaccinated will be required to be tested once a week.

“The best way to help end the pandemic is to ensure all faculty, staff and students are fully vaccinated,” said UD in its statement. “Those who have not yet gotten vaccinated are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible.”

Visitors are welcome to the campus, but they must follow UD’s health protocols.