Media report on revised pandemic guidelines for UMS
WAGM (Channel 8 in Presque Isle), News Center Maine, the Portland Press Herald, Maine Public, WABI (Channel 5), WVII (Channel 7), WPOR (101.9 FM in Portland), WMTW (Channel 8 in Portland), the Seacoast Current, Mainebiz and the Bangor Daily News reported that the University of Maine System will require students and staff who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine to be tested when they return to campus and quarantine while awaiting results. Unvaccinated students and staff will be tested weekly, at a minimum, throughout the semester, and will be required to wear face coverings inside university buildings. Chancellor Dannel Malloy noted that once the vaccines receive final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, they may be required for all students and staff. To encourage vaccination, clinics will be offered at UMaine in August and September. Students who report their vaccination between July 19 and Aug. 20 using the system’s online module will be entered into weekly drawings for $1,000 scholarships. University Business highlighted the stance on the possible vaccination requirement.