However, Olsen said that the press release on Friday was for individuals to begin planning to at least receive one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Aug. 31.

To prevent COVID-19 outbreaks from spreading on campus, all students, faculty and staff that have not been vaccinated or exempt due to health or religious reasons will be required to participate in MSU’s Early Detection Program, according to the press release.

Currently, MSU is still determining how they will go about recording who has received the vaccine and how those that cannot receive the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons may apply for an exemption.

Furthermore, as of Aug. 1, all individuals are also required to wear a mask in all MSU buildings. MSU plans to keep this requirement enforced at least for the first few weeks of the fall semester.

“For those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccination yet, it’s time to do so,” President Samuel L. Stanley said in the press release.

Individuals may either receive a vaccine from MSU Health Care Pharmacy or find a closer vaccine provider through vaccines.gov.

“We are all in this battle against COVID-19 and its variants together and I firmly believe the actions we are taking today are necessary measures,” Stanley said in the press release. “I appreciate the commitment of our students, faculty, staff and others to protect our Spartan Community.”