On May 21, Appalachian State University announced its campus would return to pre-pandemic operations for the fall 2021 semester, with safety precautions in place. That announcement followed North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper's lifting of the state's capacity and gathering limits, social distancing requirements and most face covering mandates. App State will continue to follow all state and federal orders and directives of The University of North Carolina System, and will adhere to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health in order to ensure the safest possible on-campus environment. The university will continue to set the standard for excellence with safety measures and cleaning procedures. - High County Press