SUNY Oswego extends indoor mask policy

OSWEGO, N.Y. — Two months into the Fall 2021 semester, SUNY Oswego has announced the extension of its indoor mask policy until further notice, in accordance with current CDC guidance due to the number of COVID-19 cases in the wider Central New York community.

According to an email sent out by SUNY Oswego President Deborah Stanley on Sept. 24, 90 percent of students have already submitted their vaccinations to the college. Eight percent of students are finishing up their vaccination series. This would mean that 98 percent of students are complying with the school’s vaccination requirement that went into effect on Sept. 27.

Despite the high vaccination rates on campus, university leaders have made the decision to extend the indoor mask policy. This means that all students, faculty, or guests coming to SUNY Oswego will need to continue wearing their masks in all indoor settings.

“Wow, I’m really tired of this mask. But then as time goes on, I’m getting used to it,” student Chelsea Obeng said.

Other factors that contributed to this decision, according to college officials, include the continued spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, and whether college students may need to get a booster shot in the future.

“Even though many people are vaccinated, it is still a health risk,” student Mary Kwofie said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re vaccinated or not.”

Anyone who is fully vaccinated does not need to wear a mask outdoors, but if you walk inside any of the on campus buildings, masks are still required, regardless of your vaccination status.

“I feel like it’s good for me and it’s the right step towards getting rid of COVID,” Kwofie said.

There is no update on when SUNY Oswego’s indoor mask policy will be modified.