UCF plans to eliminate physical distancing requirements and could allow fans back in the Bounce House at 100% capacity this fall.
The university said it will begin largely operating the way it did before the pandemic, beginning on June 23.
“This includes eliminating physical distancing requirements and allowing for full participation in athletic and social events,” a news release reads.
The school first said in March it planned for a full face-to-face return this fall, but said the announcement did not apply to UCF Athletics.
UCF Athletics spokesman John Heisler told Knight News in March that season tickets were being sold in anticipation of 100% capacity this fall.
Programs like LSU have announced they allow 100% fan capacity for all outdoor sporting events and masks will no longer be required. Fans are also allowed to resume normal tailgating activities on campus with no COVID-related restrictions.
UCF said in the statement the changes in COVID-19 protocols reflect the campus community’s efforts to get vaccinated and the low number of COVID-19 cases — the changes are also following guidance from the Florida Board of Governors.
The university encourages those who have not been vaccinated to do so and to learn more about debunked vaccine myths.
UCF also said that while masks on-campus will still be encouraged for its faculty and students, they will no longer be required.
The changes will also include more employees returning to their pre-COVID workspaces.
UCF previously said it plans to lift capacity restrictions and offer most courses in-person as it is planning a full return to face-to-face operations for the fall 2021 semester. More details will be provided about what the shift to pre-COVID operations will mean for classes, workspaces, activities, events and athletics.
The university also said more information — including additional guidance to assist employees and managers regarding expectations — will be shared soon.
UCF will be updating its COVID-19 policies to reflect these changes. The current emergency COVID policies include:
- Event Planning and COVID-19 Considerations
- Student Behavioral and Expectations in Response to COVID-19
- COVID-19 Policy
At the time of publication, the university has not yet updated the COVID-19 policies.
The university also said that the UCF Student Health Center will begin distributing additional vaccines starting next week. More information will be shared about scheduling an appointment — masks are still required at the health center.
UCF’s efforts to prevent COVID-19 will continue in the summer and fall, including testing, contact tracing, and the COVID Line.
Check back with Knight News for updates.
