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Dear Campus Community:

Last week, the CDC provided new guidelines that fully vaccinated people no longer need maintain social distancing or wear masks except while traveling on public transportation, while in airports or transportation stations, or while in congregate settings such as prisons, homeless shelters, nursing facilities or hospitals.

This news is a sign that we are well on our way to beating this dreadful virus. However, there are several issues we need to sort out as we learn more about how best to approach health and safety protocols for NKU.

Based on current information, here is what we can say: Starting today, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear masks anywhere on NKU’s campus, nor will they need to socially distance.

In addition, Governor Beshear announced that as of June 11, no masks would be required anywhere but in “places where people are most vulnerable” and that there would be no capacity restrictions for businesses or venues.

Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear masks indoors
. Real world data has conclusively demonstrated that COVID-19 is spread almost exclusively via aerosol mist. This means that unventilated indoor spaces are still high-risk areas for unvaccinated people. In addition, the evidence suggests that vaccines work to block infection and prevent serious illness and when a place has more vaccinations it becomes safer for everyone. More vaccinations are also the best way to protect children and the immunocompromised.

If you are not fully vaccinated, please get vaccinated as soon as possible. Health, Counseling and Student Wellness has plenty of vaccine doses available. The vaccine is free, and Kentucky residency is not required. Call 859-572-55650 or email hcsw@nku.edu for an appointment. The Northern Kentucky Health Department’s COVID vaccination website lists additional locations to receive a vaccine, and more information can be found in NKU’s Vaccination FAQs. Once again – if you are not vaccinated, you are not safe – which is why NKU strongly encourages all faculty, staff, and students to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

If you have questions about the university’s updated masking policy, please send them to COVID19@nku.edu.

Sincerely,
Ashish Vaidya