With an increasing risk and understanding of the Delta variant, University of Idaho has reconsidered safety protocols for the fall semester, according to an email by UI President Scott Green and Provost and Executive Vice President Torrey Lawrence. Finalized details will be made available Wednesday, Aug. 11.
This decision comes after discussion with Idaho Public Health – North Central District, Gritman Medical Center and the Idaho State Board of Education.
In the email, Green strongly urges students to receive the vaccine, citing an increase in hospitalizations and deaths due to the virus.
“Vandals should be diligent, committed to each other and get vaccinated to have the best chance of success in returning to more traditional operations,” Green stated in the email.
Vaccines are not required, but highly recommended at the university.
“As the CDC continues to tell us, vaccines are the key to beating this virus,” Green stated. “They are proven to be safe and effective. Despite this, Idaho still has a low vaccination rate.”
The email states that due to an executive order, state entities cannot require vaccines.
To encourage students, the university will be awarding $50 gift cards to students who show proof of being vaccinated. These students will also be entered into a raffle for two $5,000 and 10 $1,000 scholarships.
The university plans to host vaccine clinics on campus, which are now available for students to pre-register. Though, the email states those currently unvaccinated should begin the process as soon as possible.
The Argonaut will follow and update this story as more details are made available.
Haadiya Tariq can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @haadiyatariq