RVCC Updates Mask Policy For Fall Semester

BRANCHBURG, NJ — As COVID numbers begin to rise again due to the Delta variant, administrators at Raritan Valley Community College have updated its masking policy.

"Due to the rising Delta variant spread, effective July 30, face masks will be required in all campus buildings. Raritan Valley Community College will continue to review its mask-wearing guidelines as warranted," said Donna Stolzer, Director of Media Relations, Raritan Valley Community College.

The policy was updated on Thursday night.

Additionally, although encouraged the COVID vaccine is not yet mandated at the Branchburg-based college.

"The health and safety of the Raritan Valley Community College community is always our top priority. RVCC strongly encourages students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19. At this time, we are not planning to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations unless it is required by the state," said Stolzer.

On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that people who are vaccinated and in areas at high risk for the coronavirus wear masks indoors.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy and state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli followed the CDC's recommendation and announced they "strongly recommend" masking in indoor settings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents due to increased risk. Read More: NJ Updates Mask Guidance After CDC Announcement

"Our metrics are trending in the wrong direction, and new data suggests the Delta variant is more transmissible even among vaccinated individuals, which is why we are making this strong recommendation," said Murphy and Persichilli in a joint statement.

As of Thursday, RVCC has reported five positive coronavirus cases for the month of July. There were no cases reported in May or June.

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