Slippery Rock University will require everyone to wear face coverings while indoors on campus, according to a letter Thursday from the university's president, Bill Behre.

In the letter, Behre references the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, which indicate Allegheny and Butler counties are considered to be areas of “substantial transmission” for the COVID-19 virus as the reason behind his decision.

Face coverings will be required for all students, staff, faculty and visitors regardless of vaccination status inside all university buildings.

The requirement is effective Monday, and also pertains to all riders of the university's Happy Bus.

“Our staff will continually monitor our community's status as it pertains to the pandemic and update our practices accordingly,” Behre wrote in the letter.

Exceptions to the mask requirement include residence hall rooms, people working alone in enclosed spaces such as a private office or lab, people unable to wear a mask or facial covering due to an underlying medical condition, and people actively eating or drinking in a dining hall or restaurant.

Students who need an accommodation can contact the Office of Disability Services for assistance.

Behre also urged everyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The university will host several free clinics in the coming weeks.

Students will begin moving in on campus Aug. 19.

SRU is “fully prepared to safely host in-person classes this fall,” Behre indicated in the letter.

SRU moved to distanced education in the spring of 2020, and implemented safety measures for in-person learning last school year, including regular COVID-19 testing and data reporting. The spring semester started with two weeks of remote learning.

The university has kept students, faculty and staff up to date through regular news announcements, updating policies and information. The university also hosted several vaccine clinics to give the campus community easy access.