Valparaiso University said it will lift its mask or face covering requirement for fully vaccinated students and employees effective Aug. 6.

The college previously announced it would require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students and employees, except those with a qualifying exemption.

The decision to lift the face covering requirement in the fall follows updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recently announced last week individuals who are vaccinated may begin to stop wearing face coverings and resume pre-pandemic activity.

“This marks an important milestone in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of our return to normalcy,” said José D. Padilla, college president.

The American College Health Association recommends COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all on-campus college and university students for fall semester 2021. Valparaiso University is among the Indiana colleges requiring its campus population to get vaccinated.

Other Indiana colleges requiring its campus population to be vaccinated before returning for the fall include DePauw University, Holy Cross College, Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame, all private colleges, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.