Face Covering Guidance

The health and safety of the Aggies (students, faculty, and staff), especially of vulnerable individuals, is of paramount importance. Within indoor spaces, wearing a mask (cloth, surgical, KN95, N95) reduces the amount of virus spreading from the wearer (who may not know they are spreading virus) into the environment and to others. Additionally, within indoor spaces masks reduce the amount of virus the wearer inhales. While N95 respirators provide a higher level of protection when worn by those who are fit tested and trained to wear them; the general public will not have the ability to be fit tested or trained.  If you cannot access a N95 respirator, the general public still receives benefits from all wearing KN95s, surgical masks, or cloth face coverings. Within indoor spaces, the use of a face covering does not replace the recommendation to maintain physical distances from others. While physical distancing may not always be possible, at least 6 feet of physical distancing is still recommended. Following CDC guidance, and to protect your fellow Aggies against COVID-19:

1. All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings (cloth face covering, surgical mask, etc.) in indoor public areas on campus (includes all non-private office or residential spaces such as lobbies, restrooms, classrooms, teaching laboratories, research laboratories, common spaces in residence halls, conference rooms, and break rooms). Disposable filtering facepiece respirators, such as KN95 and N95s are appropriate.

Distribution of Face Coverings

It is the responsibility of the individual to provide their own face covering. However, each unit may keep a small number of disposable face coverings on hand for visitors.

Limits of Face Coverings Designs

The policy on Expressive Activity on Campus (08.99.99.M1) states: “Displaying a sign, gesturing, wearing symbolic clothing or otherwise protesting silently is permissible unless it is a disruptive activity or impedes access.” Disruptive activity is defined as obstruction, disruption, or interference with classes, research, administrative functions, or other university activities. Acts that are disruptive to the normal operations of the university, including classes and university business, or that invade the rights of others, will not be tolerated.