Purdue Fort Wayne extends temporary face mask protocol through Sept. 30

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—As Purdue Fort Wayne continues to monitor COVID-19 numbers across the area and nationwide, the university has decided to extend its temporary requirement to wear face masks indoors while on campus through Sept. 30. This protocol applies to students, staff, faculty, and all visitors—regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Patrons of on-campus dining are permitted to lower their masks for a reasonable amount of time to eat and drink. This limited exception does not permit individuals or groups to assemble unmasked for other activities in areas within or adjacent to campus dining locations. These expectations also apply to areas of the skybridge between Helmke Library and Walb Student Union, and the library itself.

In addition to the protection that comes from wearing a mask, Purdue Fort Wayne also believes getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps we all can take to help bring an end to the pandemic. On top of the personal benefit of receiving the vaccine—including fewer instances of serious illness and costly hospitalizations—higher rates of vaccination among members of our campus community decreases the potential for students, faculty, and staff needing to enter into  quarantine, which increases the likelihood of normal on-campus operations, including our preferred in-person experiences, grinding to an abrupt halt.

As Mastodons, each of us helps maintain Purdue Fort Wayne’s strong reputation for caring and compassionate behavior. We appreciate everyone who demonstrates this spirit by complying with the temporary change to the university’s mask protocol. It is reevaluated periodically and continues to be the only significant modification to university plans for the fall 2021 semester.

The PFW Ready website serves as the hub for our ongoing response to COVID-19. Important information will also continue to be communicated through the Inside PFW (for faculty and staff) and Don Life (for students) newsletters.