Fully vaccinated individuals—those who have received the complete course of an approved vaccine and waited the necessary period—are no longer required to wear face coverings while inside campus buildings, the University announced via email on Thursday, July 15. The update comes in the lead-up to the University’s September 1 deadline for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination.

However, the email said people should still carry face masks in case one is needed for a specific event or program. The loosened restrictions do not apply to UChicago Medicine, the Lab School, UChicago Charter Schools, or other UChicago campuses.

Those who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a face covering in University buildings except while in a private space or while eating and drinking at least six feet away from others. The University has no broad masking requirement for individuals who are outdoors, although masks may still be required for certain events. Additionally, the University stressed that community members should respect the decision of those who continue to wear masks for personal or health reasons.

The update also said travel from countries classified as Level 1 or 2 by the U.S. State Department no longer requires approval from a dean or administrative head, but travel from Level 3 or 4 countries still requires approval from a designated University official and the Pandemic Travel Review Committee.