WESTFIELD — Westfield State University imposed an indoor mask mandate on campus beginning Aug. 11 in response to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 delta variant.
Westfield State’s new president, Linda Thompson, said in an Aug. 6 letter to the campus community that the campus mask mandate applies to all persons on campus, regardless of vaccination status. Westfield State is also requiring that all students be vaccinated before they return for the Fall 2021 semester.
“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation with this additional measure to mitigate the spread of the delta variant,” said Thompson in her letter. “I appreciate all of us playing a part to protect the health and well-being of the full community as we look forward to welcoming students for the fall 2021 semester.”
Thompson cited Hampden County’s status as an area with a “substantial risk” of COVID-19 transmission.
First-year students and new transfer students will move into Westfield State’s campus on Aug. 26, and returning students will move in Aug. 29.
Thompson’s letter did not specify if the mask mandate would apply to every indoor space on campus, or if it does not include areas like dorm rooms and suites.
