UNH Brings Back Mask Requirements in Some Indoor Settings

While UNH cannot require students or staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccination it is requiring masks to be worn in certain indoor settings effective immediately.

The school's guidelines come as Strafford County along with the rest of the counties that make up the Seacoast meet the CDC's criteria for “substantial or high transmission" and recommends everyone regardless of vaccination status wear a mask indoors in public places. There is no mask mandate in effect in New Hampshire but schools, colleges, and businesses can implement their own policies.

Masks are required in the following indoor spaces at all UNH campuses:

• Classrooms
• Labs/offices and other indoor spaces where people will be close to one another for more than a few minutes
• Highly congested spaces and events
• Elevators when riding with other people

The Manchester campus will require masks to be worn in all indoors settings
Masks are not required in individual office/lab spaces where you are by yourself, the school said.

On the Durham campus masks are strongly encouraged in places like Hamel Recreation Center, residence halls, the library and the MUB. Masks are not required in individual office/lab spaces when an individual is alone.

"The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your fellow Wildcats is to get vaccinated and to let us know you are vaccinated. You can upload your vaccine card at the secure and confidential portal," UNH president James Dean said in a statement.

Under a new state law no public agency or school can require a COVID-19 vaccination in order to receive services.

UNH Athletics announced earlier that fans would be welcomed back at fall games with no mask, vaccination or social distancing requirements in place.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH