Delta variant looms over NC State move-in day

North Carolina State University students moved in on Saturday afternoon, and storms and traffic weren't the only cause for concern among students and their families.

The rapidly spreading Delta variant of coronavirus loomed over move-in day as people wore face masks in the hot and rainy weather. So far, 54% of the NC State campus community has been vaccinated against COVID-19, while experts say that more than 70% of people should be vaccinated in order for herd immunity to be achieved.

Starting Monday, on the first day of classes, all students, faculty and staff on NCSU's campus for any reason will be required to provide proof of vaccination or get tested weekly for COVID. Face coverings are encouraged in outdoor spaces and required on Wolfline buses.

University leaders hope the number of vaccinated students will continue to rise as the school year moves forward, but so far, have said they would not make vaccinations mandatory. A statement from the University says Chancellor Randy Woodson strongly recommends vaccinations for members of the NC State community.

Young adults are the most likely to report being hesitant or unwilling to get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to recent polling by Morning Consult. In North Carolina, only 8% of all vaccinations are among college-aged adults, compared to 33% in those 25 to 49.

Student Evan Miles said while he's excited to interact with his professors and friends in-person, he is worried that classes could quickly move back to being online.

Rising trends in coronavirus cases support this concern. The number of daily COVID-19 cases reported statewide has risen more than 1,100% higher this month compared to last month.

Students and families who spoke with WRAL News say they hope everyone on campus will be on board with the new mask mandate so that the school can avoid another shutdown.

"People were walking around offering masks to people who didn’t have one," said Lilly Godwin, a student at NC State.