Stanford Bans Visitors From Most Campus Grounds

STANFORD, CA — Stanford University has restricted public access to most of its campus for the upcoming fall semester in a move that school officials say aligns with a state health order, the school announced in a news release.

The campus has established zones that identify areas of campus approved for access by students, faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars and the public.

"The implementation of zones on the main campus is required by higher education guidance
issued by the California Department of Public Health on Aug. 7, which Stanford has endorsed as a thoughtful and responsible approach," the school's statement said.

"The guidance reflects the challenges of increasing on-campus activity while there is persistent, widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the community."

The public’s access will be limited to “Community Zones” that will be open to the public encompass the Arboretum, the Dish area, Stanford Golf Course and Stanford Golf Learning Center & Driving Range, and the Sand Hill Fields.

The restrictions go into effect Sept. 1.

Public access to Stanford Health Care facilities will not be limited.

“As we continue working toward the beginning of autumn quarter and the gradual resumption of teaching and research on campus, the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic requires unprecedented steps to safeguard the health of all who live, learn and work here,” said Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne.

“We want to emphasize that these changes will be temporary, and while we have regretfully had to restrict the general public’s access to a smaller portion of our campus spaces at this time, we look forward to expanding the areas available to them as public health conditions permit.”