North Hennepin Community College Announces New Mask Requirement
North Hennepin Community College is changing its mask policy after an uptick in COVID-19 cases. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 936 cases and five deaths on Wednesday. Health officials believe 85 percent of new infections are linked to the delta variant of the novel coronavirus.
The face protection policy went into effect Tuesday at North Hennepin Community College. That means everyone will be required to wear face masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
The Minnesota State public college system says mask mandates should be implemented at any of its campuses with “substantial” or “high” transmission rates. Hennepin County falls into that category.
Face Protection Mandate Issued to Protect Staff and Students
North Hennepin Community College officials say they changed their policy to keep everyone safe.
“I think it’s important to do this to protect our employees, our students, our community. It’s all part of being together, looking out for one another and making sure that we can continue delivering education, giving them the experience that they are looking for and that they need to progress their life,” explained Rolando Garcia, president of North Hennepin Community College.
CCX News also reached out to Hennepin Technical College. At this time, the college, which has campuses in Brooklyn Park and in Eden Prairie, did not require face protection for the upcoming semester.