AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University is making the use of face masks or face shields mandatory on campus starting next week.
In a letter to students, faculty and staff, ISU President Wendy Wintersteen says in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 masks are going to be required in classrooms, offices, and other areas where physical distancing isn't possible.
The mandate goes into effect Wednesday, July 1st.
The university says it's providing two free cloth face coverings to all students, faculty, and staff who want them.
The school says it's also working on plans to distribute cloth face coverings during new student orientation, and during the move-in to residence halls and on-campus apartments.
ISU is also encouraging it's students, faculty, and staff to wear face masks off-campus and while on CyRide buses.
The city of Ames and Story County have seen a spike in COVID-19 cases in the last few weeks.