Rutgers Lifts Mask Mandate April 4, But Still Requires Vax Proof

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — On Thursday, Rutgers University announced they will lift their campus mask mandate April 4 — sort of.

All students and teachers will still be required to wear masks in classrooms, teaching labs, libraries and on campus buses.

However, masks will be optional everywhere else on campus. Rutgers is following Princeton University's lead, as the Ivy League school lifted their mask mandate on March 2.

In that same announcement, Rutgers added they are now requiring anyone who volunteers on campus, is a contractor or guest lecturer to show proof of vaccination. Rutgers was the first college in America to require all students get a coronavirus vaccine, or else be dis-enrolled from school.

And anyone who attends an indoor event at Rutgers, such as a basketball game, still has to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.

However, effective immediately, face coverings are no longer required at indoor games or events, said Rutgers.

"Effective Monday, April 4, use of face coverings in offices, conference rooms, research labs, housing, and public spaces in buildings will be optional," said Rutgers Chief Operating Officer Antonio Calcado in this letter to students, posted Thursday. "However, use of appropriate face coverings will still be required in all teaching spaces (classrooms, lecture halls, seminar rooms, etc.), teaching labs, computer labs, buses, libraries, and clinical facilities. Additionally, face coverings will continue to be required in student-staff and student-faculty meeting spaces."

Rutgers said the date of April 4 was chosen because that gives a two-week buffer from when students return from spring break. "Those who travel during the break are strongly encouraged to test before returning to campus," said the college.

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