Saint Elizabeth U. Adds Mandatory Masking To Vaccine Mandate

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — A vaccine won't be enough at Saint Elizabeth University. The institution, which will already require all students to get vaccinated against COVID-19, will also have a mask mandate to begin the school year.

Effective immediately, everyone must wear masks inside campus buildings, President Dr. Gary Crosby announced in a letter to staff and faculty. Crosby said employees and guests must wear masks, but a university spokesperson said the mandate would apply to students, as well.

Saint Elizabeth has required proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all students entering fall, while strongly recommending the flu vaccine. Employees also must have at least one dose of the COVID vaccine by Aug. 18, Crosby announced. Medical and religious exemptions are available.

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Employees inside campus buildings who don't comply with the mask mandate will first receive a verbal warning for the first violation, a written warning for the second and a five-day suspension without pay for the third incident. Employees could get fired for further violations.

The mask requirement will run through Sept. 30 but could get extended depending on prevailing coronavirus conditions.

"The Delta variant of COVID-19 has created a new challenge in the ever-evolving fight against the pandemic," Crosby said.

Unvaccinated employees, including those with exemptions, will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test — at their own expense — every week. They also must wear a two-ply face covering at all times, except in outdoor areas where they can practice social distancing.

"The requirement of vaccinations for students, faculty and staff reflects SEU’s care and regard for the health and safety of our community, as COVID-19 remains a highly contagious illness that can have serious medical implications," Crosby wrote. "Interacting in a high-density campus environment creates conditions where community spread can advance rapidly."

Crosby sent the note to faculty and staff Thursday — a day before Gov. Phil Murphy announced that everyone would need to wear masks this school year in K-12 schools. Read more: NJ K-12 Students Must Wear Masks This Fall, Gov. Murphy Says

Unlike grade schools, colleges and universities serve students who all qualify for COVID vaccination. Many around New Jersey instituted requirements for vaccination against the virus by fall. But some have also announced mask mandates, including Monmouth University and Raritan Valley Community College.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that people wear masks in indoor, public settings in all of New Jersey except Warren County.

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