Face covering order issued for UCCS students, staff, and visitors

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Chancellor Venkat Reddy issued an order Monday requiring the use of face coverings indoors on campus and on shuttles.

The order is meant to formalize the policy they've been enforcing since the start of classes in late August. University spokesperson Jared Verner says the order has nothing to do with soaring coronavirus cases across Colorado, particularly on college campuses.

UCCS data shows five active COVID-19 cases, with 6% of quarantine/isolation space in use.

Gov. Polis extended the mask mandate for the state due in part to concerns about the increase in COVID-19 cases. The sheriff's office in El Paso County quickly reacted by saying their deputies would not enforce the orders.

Students say that's why they support the university issuing a mask order, because they say not everyone follows the guidelines.