Face Coverings in Response to COVID-19: Difference between revisions

From Appalachian State University Policy Manual
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Policy 302.8
Policy 302.8 (Retired)


== Introduction ==
Authority rests with the Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Management Office to manage the Appalachian State University response to COVID-19, as provided in Policy 302.1. (https://policy.appstate.edu/Emergency_Management_Program). For more information regarding Appalachian State University COVID-19 response, rules and regulations please see: https://www.appstate.edu/go/coronavirus.
1.1 The purpose of this policy is to provide instruction and direction to the Appalachian State
University (“Appalachian”) community on wearing face coverings to assist in preventing the
spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”).


== Scope ==
2.1 This policy applies to all university faculty, staff, and students while on University property,
including but not limited to academic buildings, administrative buildings, support buildings,
entertainment venues, and other University grounds.
2.2 This policy does not apply to private living spaces within residential halls, but does apply to
common areas such as lobbies.


== Definitions  ==
[[Category:Contents]]
=== Face Covering ===
[[Category:Public_Safety]]
A surgical mask or other non-reusable mask approved by the U.S. Food and
[[Category:Emergency Management]]
Drug Administration, as well as any other cloth face coverings or other reusable Universityapproved substitute that covers the nose and mouth of an individual wearing the covering. The
purpose of a face covering is to reduce the spread of the user’s germs and may not offer
protection to the user from exposure to environmental hazards, including but not limited to
COVID-19.
 
=== Social Distancing ===
Maintaining a physical distance of six (6) feet or greater from another
individual and avoiding direct contact with others during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize
exposure and reduce transmission of the disease.
 
=== Employee ===
For the purposes of this policy, the term employee includes all faculty, staff,
part-time, and temporary positions receiving financial compensation from Appalachian.
 
== Policy and Procedure Statements  ==
=== Face Covering Requirements ===
4.1.1 Face Coverings shall be worn at all times that Social Distancing is not feasible, subject to
Section 4.1.2. Face Coverings are not a replacement for Social Distancing. Social Distancing
must be practiced whenever possible.
 
4.1.2 Regardless of whether Social Distancing is feasible, Face Coverings shall be worn at all
times in classrooms, conference rooms, meeting rooms, elevators, research laboratory spaces,
and any other instructional areas. For exemptions to this requirement, please see Section 4.2 –
Face Covering Exemptions.
 
4.1.3 Students and Employees may wear self-supplied Face Coverings. In instances where a
student or Employee does not have a self-supplied Face Covering the University will supply the
student or Employee with a Face Covering.
 
4.1.4 Face Coverings that cover the entire face, including the eyes, shall not be worn, unless
otherwise permitted in Section 4.2.3.
 
=== Face Covering Exemptions ===
4.2.1 Employees requesting a modification under this policy because of a high-risk health factor
or other related circumstance must complete the Employee High-Risk Identification form.
 
4.2.2 Students requesting a modification under this policy because of a high-risk health factor or
other related circumstance must complete the Student High-Risk Identification form.
 
4.2.3 Face Coverings are not required to be worn in situations where the Face Covering presents
a safety hazard or other specialized personal protective equipment that covers the nose and
mouth is required. Furthermore, Face Coverings are not a substitute for respiratory protection. In
situations where a respiratory device is required, then personal protective equipment must be
worn as determined by EHS&EM in collaboration with a supervisor and other University
officials.
 
4.2.4 Face Coverings are not required to be worn in instances: (a) where a student-athlete is
engaging in practice or competition for their designated sport, or (b) where any student or
Employee is engaging in other recreational indoor or outdoor activities (e.g., running, jogging,
rock climbing, or other related physical activities) on University property. Notwithstanding, upon
the completion of participation in the sport or other recreational activity, all individuals covered
under this policy must as promptly as possible adhere to the requirements of Section 4.1 – Face
Covering Requirements. Furthermore, Social Distancing should be practiced whenever feasible
while engaging in these activities.
 
4.2.5 Face Coverings are not required to be worn by a speaker in a large group gathering (e.g.,
speaker at convocation or the Chancellor speaking at an engagement), if there is a barrier
between the speaker and the group of individuals they are addressing (i.e., a transparent shield or
other transparent partition designed to prevent the transmission of respiratory droplets between a
speaker and the audience).
 
4.2.6 Students conducting a classroom presentation are permitted to not wear a Face Covering
during their presentation, as long as the student maintains a physical distance of ten (10) feet or
greater from another individual.
 
=== Administration ===
The Director of EHS&EM is responsible for the creation and implementation of guidelines and
minimal requirements for this policy. Questions pertaining to this policy may be directed to
EHS&EM.
 
=== Enforcement ===
4.4.1 Appalachian will enforce violations of this policy in accordance with applicable federal and
state law, UNC System policies, and institutional policies. Violations of this policy, including
but not limited to not adhering to Social Distancing Practices or Face Covering requirements,
may result in grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion.
 
== Additional References ==
 
[[https://www.appstate.edu/recovery/return-to-work/ Appalachian’s Returning to Work Safely Guidelines]]
[[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html CDC Guidance: How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings]]
[[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-cloth-face-coverings.html CDC Guidance: How to Wash Cloth Face Coverings]]
 
 
== Authority ==
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-12.8
UNC System Policy 300.2.15
 
== Contact Information ==
Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management - 828.262.4008
 
== Original Effective Date ==
June 19, 2020
 
== Revision Dates ==

Latest revision as of 14:00, 11 January 2022

Policy 302.8 (Retired)

Authority rests with the Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Management Office to manage the Appalachian State University response to COVID-19, as provided in Policy 302.1. (https://policy.appstate.edu/Emergency_Management_Program). For more information regarding Appalachian State University COVID-19 response, rules and regulations please see: https://www.appstate.edu/go/coronavirus.