Arriving students are given a packet of 10 KN95/N95 masks. The mask requirement will be in place until Sept. 2.
Arriving students are given a packet of 10 KN95/N95 masks. The mask requirement will be in place until Sept. 2.
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Arriving students are given a packet of 10 KN95/N95 masks. The mask requirement will be in place until Sept. 2.
A temporary indoor mask requirement took effect at Grinnell College Friday, as students arrive for the fall term.
The two-week requirement applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors, who will need to wear a high-quality mask.
The college is providing a packet of 10 KN95/N95 masks to each student during check-in. It is also making available PCR tests.
"Our students come to Grinnell from across the country and around the world," said Ellen de Graffenreid, vice president of communications and marketing. "They maybe have been exposed to Covid variants or other infectious diseases, respiratory diseases that haven't been prevalent in our community."
The move is an outlier with other colleges and universities, but it is a popular one among students.
"I feel like they are prioritizing health for the students, and I think that's very important," said Jessenia Ruiz, a first year student.
"We're all going to be interacting with a lot of people from a lot of places, so for peace of mind, I'll wear the mask," said Ezra Turner, who is also a first year student.
Grinnell does not intend to extend the indoor mask requirement unless public health conditions change significantly before Sept. 2.
"In being a school that's built on community, we want to make sure that everybody here feels safe," said Loyal Terry, the student body president. "We also know that this is a temporary period as well."
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