St. Thomas will once again require face coverings indoors in public spaces on campus beginning Monday, regardless of vaccination status, a University Action and Response Team email said Thursday.

The university hopes that the “temporary, university-wide requirement” based on new Minnesota Department of Health guidance can be lifted this semester as conditions improve.

“The recent surge of the COVID-19 delta variant in Minnesota unfortunately means campus life cannot be quite as normal as hoped,” the email said.

Campus-wide vaccination rates are at 83% as of Thursday, and it continues to rise, but “health and safety protocols” are still needed.

Face coverings will now be required in all indoor spaces on campus where others are present, such as classrooms, common areas and the Anderson Student Center.

However, face coverings remain optional while teaching a class or speaking at an event where six feet of distance from students or the audience can be maintained, or while exercising in the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex or McCarthy Gym.

The university continues to “strongly encourage face coverings outdoors for large gatherings and in situations where social distancing is not possible,” and may be required at specific outdoor opening events.

St. Thomas has required all students and employees to be fully vaccinated before returning to campus for the fall semester. Unvaccinated community members that have been approved for exemptions must wear face coverings indoors at all times unless alone in an office or residence hall room.

Justin Amaker can be reached at justin.amaker@stthomas.edu.