PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The University of Pikeville announced Monday that face masks will be optional for most of campus.

In a post on the college’s “Healthy at UPike” webpage, the school noted that the change comes as a result of declining numbers of cases on campus and in the community. Masks will be optional in “residence halls, offices, athletic venues, campus dining locations and event spaces.”

The change is effective immediately. However, there will be some exceptions where masks are still required.

“Masks are required in classroom settings; however, faculty may, at their sole discretion, lift the mask mandate in their classroom at any time,” the post reads. “In healthcare settings like the Kentucky College of Optometry Dr. Jerald F. Combs Eye Clinic and the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine OMT Clinic, masks will still be required.”

The university also noted that it recognizes that some people may be uncomfortable with the change, and encouraged anyone who wishes to wear a mask to continue to do so.