Face Covering Policy

Updated September 27, 2023

Face coverings are currently optional in most indoor locations with the exceptions summarized below. Please refer to the University's COVID-19 Face Covering Policy, log of changes, and the frequently asked questions below for more information. The University’s face covering policy is currently being revised.

UW Medicine medical facility personnel follow the UW Medicine face covering and personal protective equipment policies.

As part of the University’s multi-layered strategy to limit the transmission of COVID-19, face coverings, particularly well-fitting, high-quality masks (e.g., N95, KN95, surgical mask) remain a useful tool in helping to limit the spread of COVID-19. High-quality masks are available at no cost in several locations on each campus.

Requirements

High quality face masks are currently required to be worn in the higher risk patient care settings listed below. UW healthcare facilities will return to required masking in all patient care settings based on respiratory virus transmission (COVID-19, flu, and RSV) metrics. Follow the mask signs posted upon entry to clinics.

Higher risk patient care settings:

When caring for patients with confirmed COVID-19, COVID-like signs and symptoms, and other respiratory infections; healthcare workers are required to use appropriate transmission-based precautions, including masks and respirators as indicated.
COVID-19 positive patients and patients with signs or symptoms of respiratory illness are required to wear a mask if medically able.
Patient care for oncology patients receiving active chemotherapy or radiation.
Healthcare workers returning to work after having a viral infection and symptoms are still improving.
During a COVID-19 outbreak in a healthcare unit or department, healthcare workers are required to wear a face covering or respirator as determined by the Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S).
When riding shuttles serving Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Recommendations

In alignment with CDC and local public health guidance:

Masks are strongly recommended when returning to campus after ending COVID-19 isolation, indoors when around others until 10 days have passed from the start of illness.
Masks are strongly recommended after a higher risk COVID-19 exposure, indoors when around others until 10 days have passed from when you were exposed. In addition, follow the instructions for testing and symptom monitoring on the COVID-19 Public Health Flowchart.

Otherwise, face coverings are optional and may be considered for the following:

Immunocompromised individuals or those at high risk for severe illness in crowded settings.
Healthcare settings when they are not required.

Additional information

Face covering requirements will be reassessed as public health indicators change. Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations  is the most important layer of safety for preventing severe illness.

In addition, stay home when sick or experiencing symptoms, and get tested if you have symptoms or have a higher risk exposure.

Frequently asked questions

If you or your family member are at high risk for severe illness, wear a well-fitted facemask or respirator, such as an N95, KN95/KFN94 or surgical mask (in order of protection), in indoor spaces. Respirators, including N95, KN95 and KF94, or a surgical mask provide greater protection than a cloth face covering. Note: UW employees that voluntarily wear respirators must receive this advisory information. You may also want to speak to your healthcare provider when making these decisions.

UW Human Resources provides information about individual accommodations for individuals at high risk for severe illness. Visit the UWHR website or contact your HR coordinator or AHR business partner.

You can:

Remind individuals that masks offer another layer of protection to further reduce the risk of transmission.
When interacting with others in the University community, you can politely ask that others wear a mask; however, they are not required to wear one in a location where face coverings are not required.

Sample language:

“Wearing a mask indoors when around others is recommended.”
“I strongly recommend/recommend/encourage/request that you wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask.”
“Although masks are not required, given our group is large and we will be close together when we meet, I recommend/recommend/encourage/request that you wear a mask.”

Please remember that individuals may wear — or not wear — a mask for a wide range of reasons. Thank you for respecting those needs and choices.

In University locations where a face covering is not required, University personnel and students are not permitted to:

Require face coverings in your workspace, classroom, meetings, or other settings where it is not required by the University
Require unmasked individuals to leave your workspace, classroom, or meeting
Require the wearing of a mask to receive services
Refuse to perform job duties, including refusing to instruct and/or provide educational services, or other services to individuals who are not wearing a mask
Make critical statements towards or about people who choose to wear or not wear a mask

Although supervisors and instructors can ask/request/recommend/strongly recommend that masks be worn, they cannot require masks to be worn in the workplace or classroom, unless the workplace or classroom is in an area where masks are required by the UW Face Covering Policy, or in locations or situations where PPE is required (for reasons other than COVID-19 safety).

Supervisors and instructors should be mindful of their position of power when asking individuals to wear masks where it is not required. It is important to be clear when communicating that masks are recommended, not required, and that an individual’s decision to wear a mask (or not) will have no bearing on evaluation of their academic or work performance or working/learning conditions.

1. Choose a well-fitted mask with greater protection than a cloth face covering.

Respirators, including N95, KN95 and KF94, and surgical masks provide greater protection than a cloth face covering. Note: UW employees that voluntarily wear respirators must receive this advisory information.

2. Make sure your mask fits snugly against your face.

Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets leak in and out around the edges of the mask.

Use toggles or a knotting and tucking technique with medical/surgical masks to ensure a good fit.
Using a mask fitter or brace over a disposable medical/surgical mask or a cloth mask can help prevent air from leaking around the edges of the mask.
Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask. Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask. If the mask has a good fit, you may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath.

FAQs for University settings where face coverings are required

Individuals required to wear a face covering who have the following medical conditions or health risks may request an accommodation: a mental health condition, a developmental or cognitive condition, or a disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering. This includes, but is not limited to, persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing, who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance.

For University personnel requesting a medical or health risk accommodation, determination of the accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis with the unit human resources representatives in coordination with the Disability Services Office (DSO), the unit, and EH&S. The UWHR website provides for more information about this process. Personnel may be required to provide documentation to substantiate their need for an accommodation.

Students seeking an accommodation should contact Disability Resources for Students (DRS) for determination of a medical or health risk. Accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis through consultation with DRS.

Clear masks or cloth masks with a clear plastic panel are an alternative type of mask for people who interact with:

People who are deaf or hard of hearing
Young children or students learning to read
Students learning a new language
People with disabilities
People who need to see the proper shape of the mouth for making appropriate vowel sounds (for example, when singing)
If you use this type of mask, make sure:
You can breathe easily.
Excess moisture does not collect on the inside of the mask.
You remove the mask before sleeping, since the plastic part could form a seal around your mouth and nose and make it hard to breathe.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a transparent medical mask, the ClearMask.

Masks are an important layer of protection for preventing the spread of COVID-19; however, wearing a mask for long periods of time can cause skin problems including acne (also known as “maskne”), rashes and itchiness.

Cleanse your face before and after wearing a mask.
If you have dry skin, apply moisturizer to your skin before putting on a mask.
Apply a ceramide-containing facial lotion or petroleum jelly as a barrier to help prevent skin irritation in areas where the mask rubs against your skin.
Avoid wearing a liquid foundation or any makeup that can clog your pores, which may cause your skin to break out. Foundation, aftershave, sunscreen and similar products can also rub off on your mask, leading to decreased air filtration, making it harder to breathe. 
Wash cloth masks daily. Replace disposable masks after each use, and when they become contaminated or wet.
Consider wearing a different type of mask if you are uncomfortable with your current mask.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or polyester, on the inside layer that rests against your face, as these fabrics are more likely to irritate your skin.
- Cloth masks should have an inner layer made from an absorbent material (e.g., cotton) to help absorb sweat that can lead to breakouts
If you are considering using a facemask bracket to prevent acne, be aware that it could lead to gaps between the mask and your face that may cause your mask to be less effective. If you decide to use a bracket under your mask, ensure the mask fits snugly against your face.

Read the American Academy of Dermatology Association article “9 Ways to Prevent Face Mask Skin Problems” for more information.

If you continue to have skin problems that go unresolved after following these recommendations, speak with your health care provider and/or a dermatologist.

Contact

COVID-19 Campus Support Contact

(206) 616-3344

covidehc@uw.edu

Reference Files

COVID-19 Face Covering Policy (updated 7/19/23)

278.61KB (.pdf)

Reference Links

CDC: Use and Care of Masks

Locations to pick up free, high-quality masks

UW Face Covering Policy Log of Changes

Face Covering Policy

Requirements

Recommendations

Additional information

Frequently asked questions

What if I am at higher risk for severe illness or have a family or household member who may be at higher risk? (updated 5/12/23)

I am not comfortable with others not wearing masks around me, what can I do? (updated 7/19/23)

What can I do to encourage mask use when it is not required? (updated 7/18/23)

How can I improve the quality and fit of my mask? (updated 5/12/23)

FAQs for University settings where face coverings are required

What if I cannot wear a face covering? (updated 6/15/22)

How can I report someone who is not wearing a face covering where it is required?

Where can UW units purchase face coverings? (Updated 7/18/23)

What about people who read lips or others who need an alternative type of mask?

How can I prevent skin problems when wearing a facemask?

Contact

COVID-19 Campus Support Contact