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As of Monday, just over 97 percent of University of Maryland community members on campus are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to the latest data on the university’s COVID-19 dashboard.
While some students were settling back on the campus Monday, others took their first in-person class at this university.
In April, the University System of Maryland implemented a systemwide vaccine mandate, requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccination to return to the campus. Those with religious or medical concerns can apply for exemptions but must get tested twice a week, said Student Affairs Vice President Patty Perillo. In May, the university loosened mask mandates, with vaccinated individuals no longer required to wear masks indoors.
[UMD releases additional COVID-19 guidance for fall semester]
But earlier this month, amid concerns regarding the delta variant, university President Darryll Pines reinstated the indoor mask mandate on the campus, regardless of vaccination status. The announcement followed Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ decision to reinstate the mask mandate in the county.
The university’s vaccination rate heavily surpasses Prince George’s County’s rate, where only 68 percent of the county’s residents 18 and older are fully vaccinated. In the state, over 61 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
