UCR Face Covering Policy

UCR Face Covering Policy

Effective July 29, 2021, mask wearing will be required indoors while on campus property,
regardless of vaccination status.

Policy

On July 27, 2021, the CDC and CDPH issued new guidance recommending mask wearing indoors for areas where COVID-19 transmission is high. Southern California and Riverside County fall into this category. In response to changing conditions, we are updating our campus requirements.

Effective July 29, 2021, mask wearing will be required indoors while on campus property, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear a mask at all times. Vaccinated individuals who have uploaded their record to the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracking Form may work without a mask while working outdoors or indoors alone in a closed office or room; however, masks are required in indoor communal spaces and meetings with others. Per Cal/OSHA requirements, employees working in health care settings and in programs with children under 12 years of age must also continue to wear face coverings.

All employees are required to complete the Daily Wellness Check when working on campus property.

The current uptick in cases reminds us that we are still in a fluid situation with a dangerous disease. We encourage you to practice healthy habits and hygiene. Campus guidelines will continue to evolve as guidance from local, state, and national health authorities are updated.

The health and safety of our campus community remain our first priority. Thank you for doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Guidance on Use of Face Coverings

According to the CDC, when face coverings are properly fitted over the nose and mouth, they prevent the wearer from dispersing potentially infectious aerosols and droplets into the environment where they can contaminate surfaces or be inhaled by others. Face coverings with exhalation valves (quarter sized plastic disks on them) should not be worn as they do not protect others by preventing the dispersion of aerosols. Learn more about types of masks, fitting your mask, and more at the CDC Fit and Filtration page.

Other forms of acceptable face coverings include disposable non-surgical grade masks and KN95 respirators. Medical grade surgical face coverings and N95-respirators should be saved for healthcare and emergency workers. To adhere to state, local, and UC requirements, face coverings requirements are outlined in the Return to Campus Guide (COVID Prevention Plan) located at campusreturn.ucr.edu (updated June 2021).

Visit the CDC website for comprehensive mask information.

Face Covering Policy - Face Covering Request

Guidance, Options
& Availability

Combined with physical distancing, washing hands, and staying home when ill, face coverings help to limit the transmission of COVID-19 by minimizing droplet transmission when a person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Face coverings should have two or more layers of washable, breathable materials, completely cover the nose and mouth, and fit snugly against the sides of your face and don't have gaps. Face coverings should not have exhalation valves or vents, which allow virus particles to escape, and should not be intended for respiratory protection.

Request a Mask

In order to assist the UCR community to adhere to the face covering requirements, UCR Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is providing face coverings for UCR personnel. Individuals should review the options and availability for face coverings below and submit a request for the appropriate number.

For more information and instructions on how to order a mask, please visit the EH&S Face Coverings webpage.

For students: individual students and campus groups can request free COVID-19 Wellness Kit to stay as safe and comfortable as possible during the pandemic. For more information, please visit The Well: COVID Wellness Kits & Masks webpage.

Face Covering Policy - Reduce Fogging - Safety Glasses

Reduce Fogging for
Safety Glasses

Following methods can be used to reduce the fogging of the safety glasses when using face coverings and masks:

Achieve proper seal around the nose by:
- adding nose bridge in the mask with 2 twist ties adhered with tape
- tightening the top strap when using two-strap masks
- criss-crossing the ear loops for around-ear-strap mask
- covering most of the nose area when using single strap masks
Wash safety eyewear with mild soap and water prior to use
Place a folded tissue paper horizontally across the nose underneath the mask
Treat the safety eyewear with anti-fog solution or wipes prior to use
Use anti-fogging safety eyewear

Face Covering Policy - Face Covering Masks in the Laboratory

Face Covering and Masks
in the Laboratory

Laboratory workers can utilize cloth or disposable masks. If procedures present a risk of contaminating the wearer’s mask please contact ehsih@ucr.edu to evaluate strategies for preventing the contamination of your mask.

For healthcare workers, employees requiring respiratory protection, and those with COVID-19 vaccination exemptions who would like an N95 respirator for voluntary use, visit EH&S Respiratory Protection Program.

UCR Mask Covering - Caring for Face Coverings

Caring for
Face Coverings and Masks

If your mask is not disposable, follow these steps:

When soiled or dirty, wash the cloth face covering or mask using a washing machine
The frequency of washing is dependent on the frequency of use. It is recommended that the mask be washed at least daily per CDC guidelines
Wash items as appropriate to the cloth material or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting and dry completely before storage and reuse
Store clean cloth mask in a clean bag or container until it can be reused
Containers used to store used or dirty mask shall be cleaned prior to reuse