More campus COVID mandates at OSU

Several COVID requirements at Ohio State go into effect this week and next, including mandated vaccines and testing.

Why it matters: These efforts are meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on a crowded campus with tens of thousands of students, faculty and staff, many of which are traveling for fall break

What's happening: The deadline for everyone on campus to receive their first vaccine dose is tomorrow.

• Buckeyes were allowed exemptions for medical, personal or religious reasons, but needed to request this weeks ago.
• A second dose of a two-shot series is required by Nov. 15.
• There are no immediate penalties for students who miss the deadline.

Yes, but: Starting with the spring 2022 semester, unvaccinated students may be ineligible to take in-person classes or live on campus.

• Faculty and staff can receive "progressive discipline, up to and including termination" for non-compliance.

What's next: All students were required to be tested for COVID on campus before leaving for fall break, which begins today and runs through Sunday.

• They are also required to get tested upon returning to campus regardless of vaccination status.
• OSU has mandated testing for unvaccinated students, but a new state law prohibiting campuses from discriminating against unvaccinated individuals went into effect yesterday.
• Going forward, all students will be tested weekly during the academic year.