Virginia Tech requiring all employees to be vaccinated

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Virginia Tech’s president released an update on the university’s stance on vaccinations.

President Tim Sands says that vaccines are now required for all university employees. Sands went on to say this change is because of the spread of the delta variant, as well as COVID-19 surges and a rise in hospitalizations in the New River Health District.

There are still exemptions for medical reasons and those with religious beliefs. The university reports that 94 percent of students and 82 percent of employees are fully vaccinated.

Virginia Tech already released its mask policy which will require face coverings in public indoor spaces and a surveillance testing program.

Employees will have until Oct. 1 to report they have received full vaccination — either one or two doses, depending on the vaccine — or if they are looking to seek exemption.