The University of Northern Colorado athletic program will require masks at indoor facilities regardless of vaccination status, it announced on Friday.

As a university, UNC announced an indoor mask mandate on Thursday for public spaces on the entire campus due to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to the Delta variant. It will remain in place until the university and health officials believe it is safe to remove.

This new policy applies to those inside the Bank of Colorado Arena and indoor areas of Nottingham Field.

UNC Athletic Director Darren Dunn said in a statement the university wants fans to remain healthy while attending athletic competitions. This policy does not include physical distancing or capacity limits at this time.

The university announced full capacity at athletic events earlier this summer, but noted that things can and will change based on medical recommendations.

UNC is requiring all students, staff and faculty to receive some format of the COVID-19 vaccine and submit their vaccination records, unless they apply for an exemption. The full vaccination policy can be found on the university website.

"As the seasons begin next week, our operations staff will take all possible steps to ensure your health and safety while attending UNC Athletics' events and we need you, as loyal Bears, to do your part and comply with this new mandate," Dunn wrote. "We need you in the stands, and I hope the small sacrifice of wearing a mask will not keep you from being there to cheer on your Bears."