BLOOMSBURG—The Bloomsburg Rec Center closed their weight room temporarily due to the student body not following COVID-19 mandates. A statement was sent out to all BU students on Tuesday, February 8th regarding this shut down.

“Unfortunately, staff members are continuously needed to address the large number of people who are not masking properly in the weight room. Rather than close the entire building, the weight room will be closed on Wednesday, February 9 and Thursday February 10. We will reopen for normal hours on Friday, February 11.”

This announcement came after a January 28th announcement that alerted BU students of the possibility of losing the Rec Center – BU students sent out an email that touched up on proper mask protocol.

“The proper way to wear a mask is over the nose AND mouth at all times. The University is receiving numerous reports of masking issues in the Rec Center, to the point where it is becoming difficult to ensure the health and safety of anyone using the facility.”

This temporary shutdown will have to be made permanent if proper protocols are not implemented and followed. In class masking is required – this requirement is expected throughout all the Bloomsburg University facilities.

Bloomsburg’s Rec Center has been doing everything in their power to keep the facility open for the use of Bloomsburg University students. With declining compliance, the facility was forced to shut down the area where masks were being worn the least, which was the weight room.

Kara Lordan, a student rec center employee, weighed in on this recent shut down –

“We closed the weight room because it is a high access point, and a lot of people weren’t wearing their masks in there. We are trying our best to stay open so all student workers can keep their jobs and so students can have an accessible exercise facility. Bottom line is covid is still a thing and people need to comply with campus mask mandates!”

Rec fees are included in tuition pricing. If they are forced to mandate a permanent shut down the university would be suffering a great loss. Mask up BU!