FAQ - Masks
Care and Use of KN95 Masks
Update: Effective, March 14, 2022,
masking will only be required in classrooms and clinical areas. In all other areas, masks will be optional regardless of vaccination status. When masks are required, they should be worn over the nose and mouth. (Date Updated: 3.15.22)
Update: Masks are not required in private spaces such as private offices. Individuals concerned about the potential spread of COVID are encouraged to wear a mask when meeting with others in small enclosed spaces however, they may not required others to wear a mask in spaces other than classrooms and clinical areas. (Date Updated: 3.15.22)
Update: Masks are no longer required at SRC or the HSC Fitness Center. (Date Updated: 3.15.22)
Yes, however, university members are not allowed to request details or the reasoning behind someone’s vaccination status. There are medical and religious reasons behind some university members’ decisions to not get vaccinated and that privacy should be respected. (Date added: 5.12.21)
Wearing masks and face coverings is an essential requirement of the university’s plan to continue in-person learning and activities, thus providing a safe and healthy environment for our university community. Wearing a mask or face covering is about protecting others and the entire Cardinal family. Failing to comply with the mask requirement will result in action taken by HR or the Dean of Students Office.
No, currently masks are not required outdoors. Some may wish to still mask if they are outdoors in crowds. Others may choose to practice physical distancing of six feet away from others while outside to reduce the spread of the virus. If you will be gathering closely to other people or when physical distancing won’t be possible you may choose to wear a mask. Additionally, as you get near the entrance of a building you must put on your mask before entering. (Date Revised: 8.17.21)
University members are permitted to wear cloth masks and surgical masks. Masks with a plastic one-way valve without filtering are discouraged. (Date Revised: 8.17.21)
No. Face shields provide no protection from inhaling the virus and are primarily for preventing the virus from getting into your eyes during medical procedures. Face shields are not a substitute for masks. (Date Revised: 8.17.21)
Masks are only required for individuals who have recently been diagnosed, released from isolation on >= day 5 and are between day 6-10 from their diagnosis.
- Students: Notify the Dean of Students office by Reporting a Student Concern.
- Staff: Notify a supervisor or contact emrelate@louisville.edu.
- Faculty: Follow the Face Coverings/Mask Response Guide for addressing a student concern; or, notify your department chair, you dean or the Provost Office of Faculty Affairs at eells@louisville.edu, for addressing concerns about another faculty member. (Date Revised: 08.31.22)
No but masking is strongly encouraged while using any mass transit. (Date Revised: 8.31.22)
No unless they were recently diagnosed with COVID and are less than 10 days from their date of diagnosis. (Date Revised: 8.31.22)
If you believe that a mask will limit your ability to perform your job-related duties, speak with your supervisor. If you are unable to develop a plan which can meet your needs, staff should contact Human Resources and faculty should contact Faculty Affairs . (Date Revised: 8.17.21)
Yes. There are some university members who may not be able to wear a mask due to a pre-existing medical condition or other disability. Students should contact the Disability Resource Center to request an accommodation through the usual accommodation request process. Requests should be submitted as soon as possible so that there is adequate time to review the request. Employees who are unable to wear a mask must provide a statement from their healthcare provider stating they cannot wear a mask at work. The documentation should not show medical records and must be submitted to their direct supervisor. (Date Added: 07.27.20)
If you are using a reusable, cloth mask you should clean it after every wear. This reduces the risk of spreading the virus. For tips on cleaning your mask, read this helpful article: Coronavirus: How to Care for Your Face Mask (Date Added: 8.27.20)