California State University (CSU) announced Tuesday that it will now require that all people who attend its 23 campuses must be vaccinated against covid-19.
The measure includes all teachers, staff members, and students who attend face-to-face classes on campus.
In a statement, the CSU gave until September 30 for the mandate to be fulfilled. However, the institution explained that students and employees can request medical or religious exemptions.
With 41.5% Latino students in October 2018, CSU is the university system in California with the most Hispanic students.
The rector of the University, Joseph Castro, highlighted today in the statement that the new requirement is an effort to ensure the health and well-being of CSU students and employees.
“We urge all members of the CSU community to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Castro added.
The announcement comes amid efforts by the California Government and local governments such as Los Angeles to counter an increase in cases of the delta variant of the coronavirus in the state.
California health officials said Monday that the delta variant accounts for 83% of all COVID-19 cases in the state.
Governor Gavin Newsom required COVID-19 vaccinations from all state employees, and those who refuse the inoculation will need to wear face masks and have coronavirus tests regularly.
On Tuesday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that fully vaccinated Americans return to wearing a mask indoors in most of the country, as well as in schools.
The change in the CDC guidelines responds to the increase in infections by the delta variant, while insisting on vaccination.
In this sense, CSU stressed that many of its campuses are organizing events to administer the vaccine and that anyone who wants to be vaccinated against the coronavirus should contact the facilities to know the availability.
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