Face Covering Guidelines

• Face covering guidelines (updated April 11, 2022)

  The use of face coverings indoors is strongly recommended for all individuals who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, and required for anyone who is not up to date on vaccinations. 

  Face coverings are also required in the following indoor settings (effective April 11, 2022): 

  • Healthcare settings (e.g. Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services)
  • On public transit (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares) and in transportation hubs (examples: airport, bus terminal, marina, train station, seaport or other port, subway station, or any other area that provides transportation).
  • State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
  • Homeless shelters
  • Emergency shelters and cooling and heating centers
  • Long term care settings and Adult and Senior Care Facilities

  In order to assist the UCR community to adhere to the face covering requirements, 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. 

• Who will still be required to wear a face covering indoors?

  Anyone who is not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations will be required to wear face coverings indoors while on campus. Being up to date on vaccinations includes receiving all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any single booster dose when eligible (second boosters are not yet required by UC policy). If you have not yet submitted your proof of vaccination or booster please contact the COVID19@ucr.edu or call 844-8276827. You can come to any of the testing sites and show proof of vaccination. UCR is no longer using the My chart system for vaccine compliance.  

• Can I impose stricter masking restrictions in my individual or group workspace?

  Individuals or departments are not permitted to revise university face covering guidelines in campus spaces that they manage. This includes classrooms and research facilities.

• What mask should I wear?

  The California Department of Public Health recommends using surgical masks or well-fitted higher-level respirators (e.g. N95s, KN95, etc.).

• Worn face coverings should meet the following criteria:

  Worn face coverings must meet the following criteria:

  • Acceptable face coverings include: surgical masks, medical procedure masks, NIOSH-certified respirators, or a tightly woven fabric or non-woven material of at least two layers.
    • Face coverings must cover the nose, mouth, and chin.
    • Face coverings are not acceptable if (i) they have one layer, or (ii) if light shines through the face covering when held up to a light source.  
    • Worn respirators may not be equipped with valves. 
       
  • Unacceptable face coverings include: scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, bandanas, turtlenecks, collars, or other single-layered fabrics.