Syracuse University will transition its campus to COVID level “blue,” starting April 19.

With less than four weeks left in the spring semester for students, the campus has experienced an uptick in COVID cases, according to Vice Chancellor Michael Haynie, consistent with an upward trend of cases occurring in Onondaga County.

Masking level blue shows an elevated level of transmission risk and will require students, staff and faculty to follow these guidelines:

Masks required at all times:

• During academic instruction (inclusive of classrooms, laboratories, libraries and lecture venues)
• During non-academic events and in certain facilities, as determined by a public health risk assessment

Masks strongly recommended:

• When indoors on campus, and outdoors in the presence of others

For vaccine-exempt individuals (approved religious or medical exemption), or if you have not yet received a booster dose of the COVID vaccine:

• Masks are required at all times and in all facilities while on campus, and while outdoors when in the presence of others

University officials say the decision is based on the latest CDC recommendations for indoor masking from Onondaga and Oswego counties.

Haynie says the surge of recent cases and associated class absences has increasingly disrupted the academic experience for students as the semester comes to a near close.

He reminds students and faculty to get tested, monitor for symptoms and take the necessary steps needed when tested positive.

You can find more information on the university's COVID-19 levels here.