Everyone on campus is required to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when indoors, with research showing the wearing a face covering is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
This fall, a simple face covering properly worn by all who are on campus will be a key element to Elon University’s efforts to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Since late June, the university has had a face covering policy in place to help underscore the importance of this simple but effective practice that collectively can combat the virus’s spread.
“We all must do our part to minimize the risks to ourselves, our friends, our family, colleagues and the entire community,” said Dr. Ginette Archinal, university physician and medical director of student health. “Remember — you could have the virus and not even know it. A mask will help prevent you from infecting someone else.”
All students, faculty and staff will receive an Elon-branded cloth face covering at the Schar Center Health Check-In, which will help them adhere to the university’s face covering policy. Since June 26, everyone on campus has been required to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when indoors. This includes classrooms, public restrooms, open office and common spaces, meeting rooms, hallways, libraries, theaters and other indoor spaces.
The university has placed signs on building doors and around campus to remind everyone about when and where masks are required.
Additionally, face coverings are also required outdoors when six-foot physical distancing cannot be maintained, or during a class or event that’s held outdoors or in a tent.
How do you properly wear a mask?
- It should cover your nose and mouth
- Before you put it on, you should wash or sanitize your hands
- When you put it on, minimize the gaps between the mask and your face
- Try not to touch the mask when you’re wearing it.
The university is counting on everyone on campus to both adhere to the face covering policy, and to also encourage each other to wear a face covering. “Public Health is everyone’s responsibility,” Archinal said. “Don’t be afraid to ask others to mask up. We owe it to each other to adhere by these rules for the safety of the entire community.”
Those who can’t wear a cloth face covering due to a medical or behavioral condition or disability may wear alternate face coverings, but are required to maintain a minimum six-foot physical distance at all times. More details about exceptions to the university’s policy are available here.
Here are some other tips and insights into wearing a mask on campus:
- Students, faculty, and staff may use face coverings provided by the university or supply their own.
- Face coverings may be cloth or disposable. They may not have vents or exhalation valves (other than approved NIOSH rated N95 masks).
- Employees may remove face coverings when alone in their own offices or enclosed workspaces.
- Students may remove face coverings in their own residence hall rooms or apartments.
- Students, faculty, and staff should have a face covering with them whenever they are on campus.
- Students, faculty, and staff who enter facilities without a face covering will be asked to leave.
- Students, faculty, and staff may remove face coverings when actively eating or drinking or strenuously exercising.
- Guests, visitors, vendors, and contractors will be expected to honor these guidelines and provide their own face covering to keep the Elon community safe.
More information about Elon’s Ready & Resilient plan for the new academic year are available at www.elon.edu/rr.