Duquesne University invokes mask mandate as students head to campus

Citing a troubling increase in covid-19 infections regionally, Duquesne University announced Wednesday it is invoking a temporary mask mandate, effective Friday.

The Pittsburgh university, which has required covid-19 vaccines as a condition of attendance this fall, said officials are requiring all individuals on campus to mask indoors, both in public spaces and when they are in groups.

Officials said the temporary mandate will be in place through student move-in days, orientation and during the first week of class.

Duquesne’s decision comes in the wake of recent increases in covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in Allegheny County, fueled in part by the highly contagious delta variant. Officials said their move is line with guidance from the Allegheny County Health Department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Taking this measure for a short period will help keep our campus community safe. A large number of students will be moving back to campus, some with people assisting them. Among those people, some individuals may not be vaccinated. Therefore, this temporary precaution will allow the university to determine status of all students, faculty and staff, before refocusing measures and beginning a more flexible set of protocols for the new academic year,” the university said in a letter to students, staff and parents that went out Wednesday.

Duquesne asked students and university employees to upload proof of vaccination or exemption to the university. Those not vaccinated will be required to wear masks indoors and participate in weekly covid-19 tests.