UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With a recent uptick in COVID-19 infections, Centre and Fayette counties are currently in high community viral spread, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The University continues to strongly recommend students, faculty and staff wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, like classrooms and public transportation. Even on campuses in counties with low or medium COVID-19 Community Levels, the University encourages anyone who wishes to wear a mask indoors on these campuses to continue to do so. 

Face masks will continue to be required in facilities providing health care and in other locations where required by law, including indoors at the College of Medicine, Penn State Health locations, University Health Services and other campus health care centers.

The University prioritizes the community's safety. Face masks, vaccines, proper hand hygiene, and staying home when sick are key mitigation strategies that we know minimize the spread of COVID-19. These measures — and the vigilance of our Penn State community members to follow them — help prevent the disruption and pause of daily schedules and activities when/if the virus is contracted.

COVID-19 tests and vaccines are widely available and the University is continuing to provide student outreach for students as well as on- or near-campus isolation space for students who live on campus. 

We are continuing to monitor conditions on and near our campuses. The latest and most comprehensive information on COVID-19 guidelines and support can be found on the University’s Coronavirus Information website.