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PROVO — The requirement of an FDA-approved vaccination or negative COVDI-19 test for access to large, indoor public events at Brigham Young University is being removed, effective immediately.
The university made the announcement Friday morning, saying that it will no longer require the measures for entry to university-sponsored athletics, performing arts, conferences and symposiums on campus. Specific events where guest artists or performing groups may require vaccination or a negative test will still be contractually honored, the school added.
The university has previously defined large public events as those with at least 100 people in attendance.
Masks are still required in classes and in "any indoor space where physical distancing isn't maintained," with signage to indicate as such at games, conferences and other public gatherings. The mask recommendation has been in place for much longer than the school's vaccine requirement, which first went into effect Jan. 20.
The end to the requirement comes as CDC guidance and recommendation for COVID-19 protective measures has begun to change, and governments have modified requirements for travel, masking and other protecting measures. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors BYU, also announced Friday that it is shifting guidance from the general church level to Area Presidencies and local authorities to to determine COVID-19 protection protocols "on a local basis," including whether masks should be worn in weekly congregational meetings.
Masks are still required in church temples, where elderly and vulnerable populations are more likely to congregate in close quarters, the church added.
"The safety of our students, faculty, staff and campus guests remains the top priority at BYU," said BYU President Kevin J Worthen in a statement when announcing the vaccine requirement. "These policies will enable us to continue to gather together and share a home-court advantage, live music, theater and dance experiences while fulfilling part of our university mission to reflect a loving, genuine concern for the welfare of our neighbor."
The change to BYU policy comes as the winter sports season is winding down and spring activities are beginning. The Cougars' women's basketball team will host its regular-season finale Saturday afternoon against Gonzaga, and the men's team will be home next Thursday and Saturday for the final home games of the season prior to the West Coast Conference Tournament in Las Vegas.
BYU will also host the 5A and 6A boys basketball state finals Saturday, March 5 at the Marriott Center. Masks are currently recommended for all Utah High School Activities Association events, but other requirements such as vaccines or a negative COVID-19 test are not under association policy.
Additional information and further updates can be found at byu.edu/coronavirus.
