SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — The University of Rhode Island is requiring all students, faculty, staff and visitors to wear masks when in inside spaces where people gather, including classrooms, laboratories, and dining facilities.

The university in a statement said the new guidelines are in line with the announcement by the state that masks are required inside all state facilities, even for people who are fully vaccinated.

The guidance was made as the delta variant fuels a surge of new confirmed coronavirus cases in the state.

The university said it is taking the step because 17,000 students and nearly 3,000 employees are returning to campus in the next month.