Fans attending UConn home athletic events, including games at the XL Center in Hartford and Gampel Pavilion on campus, no longer must show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results for entry, according to a shift in policy announced Thursday by the university.
Also, fans at home athletic events at all facilities are no longer required to wear masks.
The changes go into effect Friday.
UConn began requiring fans attending home athletic events to show proof of vaccination or a negative test, performed within 72 hours, on Jan. 15.
As part of the reasoning for changes announced Thursday, the university cited low positive rates and high vaccination rates on campus, low state positivity rates, and seven of eight counties in Connecticut being classified as “low risk” by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, the state no longer requires masks to enter state buildings.
UConn’s policy on mask wearing has changed from required to recommended in most campus settings. Masking will remain required in all instructional settings (classrooms, labs, studios, rehearsal rooms, clinics) through at least April 1, at which point the policy will be reevaluated.
“While this change means masks will not be required in most settings, the university still recommends wearing them on our campuses,” UConn’s announcement read. “We also strongly encourage each member of the UConn community to continue to be flexible and courteous when it comes to masking. Please always carry a mask with you in the event you are asked to wear it in certain close settings, such as individual or small group meetings. Members of the community will be at varying stages of comfort with mask wearing and we want to be respectful of others.”
The UConn men’s basketball team plays its final regular Saturday at Gampel Pavilion against DePaul.
