Florida public university system officials urge masks, vaccinations amid omicron

Saying it is “clear the pandemic is not over,” top Florida public university system officials are asking students and employees to wear masks on campus and get booster shots to protect against COVID-19 as the spring semester prepares to start.

State university system Board of Governors Chairman Syd Kitson and Chancellor Marshall Criser made the request in a letter to students, faculty and staff posted Wednesday on the board’s website.

“The best way to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on our campuses and our communities is to protect yourself, your family and your friends every day by following the recommended precautions, including wearing masks, testing when necessary and getting fully vaccinated, including a booster, if you are able to do so,” the letter said.

The spring semester starts next week amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations driven, at least in part, by the highly-contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Read more: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/state/2021/12/30/covid-omicron-surge-florida-universities-officials-urge-vaccine-masks-on-campus/9048513002/