Face Covering Policy

Introduction

According to the California Department of Public Health, wearing a face covering dramatically decreases individuals’ chances of transmitting COVID-19 and becoming infected. We now know that people who are infected with the virus, but who are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic, can still spread the disease.  Wearing a face covering that covers the nose and mouth can help protect others and reduce the risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection.

In order to help ensure the health and safety of the campus community and the public, CSULB has issued a face covering policy for all students, staff, faculty, administrators, and guests of the campus.  The policy includes vendors and contractors who are on campus amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  This requirement is in accordance with guidance from the California Department of Public Health, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. 

Effective immediately, the face covering policy applies to all who access CSULB facilities and property.

Policy

Face coverings are required to be worn when:

  • Inside of, or waiting in line, to enter any indoor public space (including classrooms, laboratories, conference rooms, and campus facilities)
  • Engaged in work when interacting in-person with any member of the public or in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time
  • Walking through or using common areas, such as hallways, stairways, restrooms, and elevators
  • Waiting for or riding in public transportation or ride-sharing services
  • Outdoors in public spaces when keeping a six-foot distance from others is not possible
  • Obtaining health care services

Exemptions

Every person on campus will be required to wear a face covering as described above. While face coverings are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, there may be specific instances when wearing a face covering may not be feasible. Anyone who believes they cannot wear a face covering as required by this policy must review the listed exemptions, and then seek approval to take advantage of the exemptions, as described below.

Face coverings are not required for:

  • Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering
  • Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential
  • Persons for whom wearing a face covering poses a potential health or safety risk as determined by local, state, or federal regulators
  • Persons who are working in a private office or workspace that allows for a six-foot physical distance
  • Anyone who has trouble breathing
  • Persons operating a single-occupancy vehicle
  • Persons in private rooms in on-campus housing, when not engaging with others
  • Children under the age of 2. Children between the ages of 2 and 8 should wear a covering with adult supervision
  • Persons engaged in outdoor work or recreation activities (such as swimming, walking, running, or bicycling) when able to maintain a six-foot distance from others
  • Persons who are eating or drinking (a six-foot physical distance is required)

Students requesting an exemption for a medical or mental health reason should consult BMAC (Bob Murphy Access Center).  Staff requests for an exemption should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity.  Faculty requests will be handled through Faculty Affairs.  Individuals requesting an exemption may be asked to provide appropriate documentation to substantiate their request.

Face Covering Description

For the purposes of this policy, a face covering may be a cloth face covering or a disposable mask that meets the following criteria:

  • Covers the nose and mouth
  • Ties around the ears or the back of the head
  • Is secured under the chin and fits snugly against the side of the face
  • Can be made of a variety of materials, and may be factory-made or sewn by hand
  • Cloth face coverings should be laundered frequently, preferably with hot water and dried on a hot cycle
  • Should be replaced when it no longer covers the nose and mouth, has stretched out or damaged ties or straps, or has holes or tears in the fabric

Facial coverings with one-way bypass valves are not recommended as they do not provide the necessary protection.  The valves allow for the escape of moisture droplets to the outside area. 

N95 respirator face coverings are intended for healthcare workers and are strongly discouraged for use by the general public.

A supply of disposable face coverings will be available in various locations on campus for those who have forgotten one or are not able to purchase a face covering.

Face Shields

It is not known if face shields provide any benefit to protect others from the spray of respiratory particles. The CDC does not recommend the use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings.  Some people may choose to wear a face shield when sustained close contact with other people is expected.  If face shields are used without a covering (in the case an exemption from the face covering is granted), they should wrap around the side of the wearer’s face and extend to below the chin. Disposable face shields should only be worn for a single use.  Reusable face shields should be cleaned and disinfected after each use.  Plastic face shields for newborns and infants are NOT recommended. 

Student Compliance

Students are expected to follow face covering requirements at all times when on campus.  Efforts will be made to educate, encourage, and persuade individuals to wear face coverings, whenever possible. Students who are not wearing face coverings and do not have an exemption may be asked to leave campus.  The face covering requirement for students will be treated as an expectation of the Standards for Student Conduct. Lack of compliance with this policy may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development.

Please note that it may be necessary to update the policy as new information regarding the best methods to contain the virus are received.

Resources