University Guidance on Face Coverings

Face mask infographic

Based on recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the university recommends the use of cloth face coverings in the workplace to help slow the spread of COVID-19. However, in situations where social distancing is possible, face coverings may not be necessary. 

The Office of Emergency Management asks employees report to their supervisor any situation in which physical distancing is not possible. The university will attempt to mitigate such situations. In circumstances that require physical distance of less than six feet, such as cooperative lifting of heavy objects, the university will provide appropriate face coverings. 

As you know, there is a nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment, including face coverings of all types. At UMass Amherst, we also have a limited supply of face coverings and are prioritizing their distribution to staff who are most at risk. 

Cloth face coverings can be made at home from common materials at low cost. The CDC offers written guidance.

The purpose of cloth face coverings is different than the reason front line health care professionals wear N95 or surgeons’ masks. Healthcare workers and first responders wear N95 masks to keep themselves safe as they interact with infected COVID-19 patients. The CDC makes clear its new recommendation for the general public is not to protect the wearer of the cloth face covering. Instead, it is to protect others in case you are transmitting COVID-19 asymptomatically (if you have the virus but show no symptoms). 

The CDC and UMass Amherst officials emphasize that all social distancing measures remain important to slow the spread of the virus. 

  • Maintaining six-foot social distancing
  • Frequent hand washing 
  • Cleaning surfaces often 
  • Not touching your face 
  • Monitoring your health
  • Staying home when you are ill

Please draw from many health resources available on the university’s Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) website. Each of us needs to do our part in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Self-monitoring of personal health is a vital component of our strategy.