YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Over a dozen universities across Ohio announced they would mandate masks for students this fall, but Youngstown State University remains an outlier and does not have plans to do so.

"We're the only university in Ohio, it seems, that isn't advocating for any kind of mask mandate," Youngstown State University Union Spokesperson Mark Vopat said.

University Provost Brien Smith and Director of Environmental and Occupational Safety, Julie Gentile, said on WFMJ Weekend Today, they're taking proper measures such as updating air filtration systems and do not feel the mask mandate is necessary at this point.

"We are continuing to evaluate case numbers as well as hospitalizations," Gentile said, "With those pretty low hospitalization numbers at this point, and working with our local health department, YSU thinks and feels pretty confidently that the testing and indoor air quality we're supplying to faculty, students and staff... we have a pretty good plan in place. But at any point, things could change, and we're ready for it."

Although Gentile and Smith said the university is in touch with the health department in making the decision, Youngstown Health Commissioner Erin Bishop told 21 News Tuesday, "As a health department, we are strongly recommending CDC guidance...," and said the health department "strongly recommends students wear masks."

Current CDC guidance indicates counties considered "substantial" in transmission should require masks indoors, and Mahoning County currently falls under that category.

Vopat said over a dozen faculty members voice concerns to the union regarding their safety on campus as the Delta variant spreads.

"I personally know people who have young children who are under the age of 12 who can't be vaccinated. Some of our faculty are immunocompromised," Vopat said, "These are the kind of concerns I don't think faculty at other universities have because they know that already there are certain protections put in place...The recommended CDC protections."

Smith said the university is reviewing the policies daily, but university officials have not indicated any change in plans.

Bishop said the Youngstown City Health District plans to reiterate their position on the mask recommendation in a meeting with university officials Friday.