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Area college campuses are gearing up for fall classes while continuing to update vaccination and masking guidelines as COVID-19 cases rise in Blair and surrounding counties and across the nation.
Juniata College students have until Sept. 3 to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face a $300 COVID-19 mitigation fee, the Huntingdon college announced on its website. In addition, those who are not vaccinated are expected to wear masks and maintain a social distance from others, the college said.
The college plans to return to pre-COVID-19 conditions when the fall semester begins Thursday, Aug. 26, according to the posting.
Juniata's return to fall classes is different from Penn State, which is requiring that all students be tested weekly for COVID-19 if they are unvaccinated or do not submit confirmation of a COVID-19 vaccination.
"Consequences for not complying with required testing include suspension, termination," PSU stated on its website.
Masking protocols
Juniata has no plans to require masks on the campus for those who are vaccinated.
But Penn State, as well as Penn Highlands Community College, are mandating masks for students, employees and visitors on all campuses, regardless of vaccination status.
Penn State said in a news release that in response to accelerating COVID-19 case counts across the state and country, it is requiring masks indoors, though physical distancing and outdoor masking will not be required.
Penn Highlands said masks are not required outside, when alone in an office or campus room, or when eating in a designated area. Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 23.
Saint Francis University in Loretto is not requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination from students, faculty, staff or administration, though SFU said on its website that "vaccinations are highly encouraged."
SFU students returned to classes on Aug. 17 and the university said those who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks nor do they need to follow social distancing guidelines. SFU also stated that those who are unvaccinated are not required to wear masks, but masks are recommended.
Because Juniata is planning on a high vaccination rate, previous COVID-19 restrictions on movement, recreational travel and trips home will be relaxed, the college said. In addition, restrictions on dining hall access and seating are expected to be relaxed.
Juniata also plans to resume club sports, competitions and other campus teams as normal, the college said. PSU, SFU and Penn Highlands also plan to resume programs.
Vaccine exemptions possible
While some Juniata College students may be exempted from the vaccine mandate due to medical and religious reasons, the college said students requesting a medical exemption must provide documentation from a physician or medical provider "to support the medical necessity of your exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine."
Juniata students seeking an exemption based on religious beliefs will need to provide documentation "from your congregational or faith leadership that provides advisement or guidance prohibiting vaccination, access to certain forms of medical treatment or health care, or generally constrains your ability to receive the COVID-19 vaccine."
Penn State also will allow exemptions based on religious beliefs or health concerns.
"Students and employees with a documented need can submit an application for a medical or religious waiver; however, there are rare instances in which an application for an exemption will be granted by the University," Penn State said on its website.
Penn State students will begin the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 23.
Vaccines available
At Penn State's University Park, students can receive first and second doses of the Moderna vaccine starting Monday and Tuesday, as well as every Thursday and Friday beginning Sept. 2-3, the university said.
Juniata College is arranging a vaccination clinic on campus during the week of Aug. 31 to accommodate students who want to be vaccinated before the deadline of Sept. 3.
According to the college website, "those who are not vaccinated or provided documentation for medical or religious exemption by September 3rd will be billed for the COVID mitigation fee of $300."
Juniata said students who arrive from outside the United States will be required to show proof of vaccinations. While not approved for use in the United States, vaccinations approved for use by the student's country of residence -- for instance the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe, South Africa, Australia or Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines in China -- will be accepted.
The college said the health services department will advise students who have not received a U.S.-approved vaccine on a case-by-case basis about options they might have if they want to take advantage of the three CDC-approved vaccines.
Juniata said it has no plans to resume daily symptom checks like was done during the previous year. In addition, large-scale surveillance testing is not expected this year, although diagnostic testing will be available for anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, including quarantine and isolation, will be followed when any staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19, all local colleges and universities said.