Clemson University leadership today announced updated mask requirements in statewide facilities following weeks of low COVID-19 positive tests through ongoing required testing. Daily positivity rates have decreased to 0.2 percent. For the latest data, visit the University’s COVID dashboard here.
Masks will continue to be required in instructional spaces (classrooms, instructional labs), shared learning areas (e.g., Cooper Library), research labs and shared office spaces, as well as in medical facilities (Redfern Health Center, Sullivan Center, etc.) and on university and public transportation (CATBus, TigerTransit).
Masks will no longer be required in dining facilities; recreational areas (Fike Recreation and Swann Fitness Center, Snow Family Complex, Douthit Hills Fitness Center); large building atriums (Powers College of Business atrium, Hendrix Student Center atrium); residence halls; university programs held in non-university buildings. While no longer required in those areas, masks are welcome in any space.
“First and foremost, we thank our students, faculty, and staff who have done a remarkable job of complying with the health and safety measures put in place to protect our Clemson community and we see it in the numbers,” Provost Bob Jones said. “As we have since the onset of the pandemic, we continue to follow the data and adjust our approach as appropriate to the circumstances. Our comprehensive testing approach – with more than 250,000 tests completed since August – has allowed our university to provide an in-person learning environment this Fall Semester.”
In addition to low positivity in ongoing testing, more than 60 percent of Clemson students, faculty and staff have voluntarily uploaded proof of vaccination. Clemson encourages anyone who wants and is able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to do so. You can read more about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC and DHEC.
Testing requirements and frequency for students and employees remains the same for now and will be continually reviewed in light of ongoing trends in infection rates on campus and in the surrounding region.
We will issue updates with any changes directly to campus and post on the COVID-19 FAQ page.