Are face coverings required?
Yes. The University of Missouri–St. Louis, effective July 1, 2020, and until further notice, requires the wearing of face coverings by all students, faculty, staff and visitors – including contractors and vendors – when entering or occupying a physical building or facility owned, operated or managed by the university. Additionally, face coverings will be required when utilizing campus shuttles and when a minimum physical distance of six feet cannot be maintained in any outdoor area of the university – or if otherwise required by public health order. For more information regarding this requirement, please see the following website: https://www.umsl.edu/staysafe/face-coverings.html
Why are face coverings being required?
While maintaining physical distancing, practicing good hygiene measures (e.g., frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the face, covering coughs and sneezes), and staying home when ill are the best known protections against COVID-19, the CDC also advises the use of face coverings as a complimentary measure to slow the spread of the virus by helping people who may have the virus but are asymptomatic from transmitting it to others. Additionally, St. Louis County public health orders currently require the use of face coverings.
What constitutes a face covering?
Face coverings made of cloth, fabric or permeable material, as well as face shields, are acceptable forms of face coverings. Face coverings must fully cover both the nose and mouth and have no holes or valves that would allow droplets out of the mask. It should be loose fitting but still secure enough to stay in place.
What if I am unable to wear a face covering due to a health or disability-related issue?
We must all recognize that there are circumstances where individuals may be physically or medically unable to wear a traditional cloth face covering. However, there are many options for compliant coverings that may meet a variety of needs, including loose coverings, clear plastic ear loop coverings and face shields. Students who require a health or disability-related accommodation, or are otherwise unable to place or remove a face covering without assistance must request an accommodation through Disability Access Services.
Where can I get a face covering?
Students are expected to supply and maintain their own face coverings. However, the university will distribute a number of cloth face coverings during the first weeks of classes and units may have disposable coverings available as needed. Additionally, face coverings and other personal protective equipment is available for purchase in the Triton Store in the Millennium Student Center.
What will happen if I don’t wear a face covering as required by policy?
Students who are not wearing a face covering – and who do not have a university-approved accommodation to do so – will be asked to leave their class or campus activity and not return until they are wearing one. Violations of this policy will be managed through the student conduct process. In the event a student is violating the university’s face covering policy and causing a disruption to the learning environment, additional steps such as involving university police personnel, may be enacted in order to protect the health, safety and well-being of the community. Sanctions for violations could include written warnings, university probation, loss of privileges and university suspension.
Who can I contact if I have concerns with the face coverings policy?
For questions or concerns, please contact Kasey Fraser-Smith at frasersmithk@umsl.edu, or D’Andre Braddix at braddixd@umsl.edu in the Office of Student Affairs.