Is wearing a face covering required on campus?

Face coverings are voluntary and not required, but not required indoors or outdoors on campus, with limited exceptions.  

Where are face coverings still required?

• Face coverings are not required outdoors on campus.
• Face Coverings are recommended in healthcare facilities including the Well, but required for anyone with cold or flu like symptoms.

Are there other alternatives to wearing a face covering?

Yes, if you want to wear a face covering, but have a limitation that prevents you from wearing a face covering safely, there are alternatives. Individuals who wish to wear a face covering and who work in regular contact with others can wear a non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge, as long as their condition permits. Faculty and staff who require an accommodation such as an alternative face covering or a clear face covering, should discuss this with Human Resources (HR) at the earliest opportunity.

Is there a specific type or brand of face covering required?

A face covering can be a surgical mask, medical procedure mask, N-95/KN-95, or any tightly woven fabric of at least two layers which covers the nose and mouth and has no visible holes or openings. Multi-layered cloth face coverings with ear loops are recommended, as these are easy to put on and take off, and are washable and reusable.

What about N-95 masks?

Consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), N-95 masks should be used only for work activities that present a known risk of exposure, such as medical services. EHS will provide N-95 masks only for those activities where there is a known risk, or where the mask has been identified as a required control measure in the employee's safety protocol. Employees requiring an N-95 respirator to prevent exposure to other airborne hazards (e.g., silica dust or wildfire smoke) will continue to be provided appropriate respiratory protection.