The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) announced Tuesday they will be requiring all UNK students, faculty, staff and visitors to wear masks while inside all classrooms and labs on Wednesday, Sept. 15.

The decision, UNK says, comes from their Emergency Operations Team in response to an increase of regional transmission of COVID-19 in the community and state.

The mask requirement will remain in effect until Oct. 6.

Facemasks, under this policy, will not be required in non-classroom settings such as the Nebraska Student Union, Calvin T. Ryan Library, Health and Sports Center, Fine Arts Building performance areas and residence halls.

Masks will also not be required outdoors, while working in offices or while attending meetings outside the classroom.

UNK also encourages those unvaccinated on campus to wear a mask.

According to UNK, a recent survey they conducted concluded that 68% of their students have already been vaccinated, and they say the best way for in-person classes, events and activities to continue is if people get vaccinated.