Ohio University updates Presidential Health Directives with new face covering requirements

KN95, N95, KF94 or surgical masks are preferred; face shields, bandanas, neck gaiters, scarves, turtleneck collars, masks with valves, and balaclavas/ski masks are not acceptable

Ohio University has updated its Presidential Health Directives with regard to face covering (mask) requirements. These updates describe the types of masks that are acceptable on OHIO campuses. Beginning January 10, 2022, all OHIO community members are expected to adhere to these mask requirements.

"Face covering” (or “mask”) means a face covering that fits snugly over the wearer’s nose and mouth and under the chin, and that fits snugly against the sides of the wearer’s face (no gaps around the sides). Face shields, bandanas, neck gaiters, scarves, turtleneck collars, masks with valves, and balaclavas/ski masks are not acceptable. Community members may wear both a face shield and an acceptable face covering, but not a face shield alone. All OHIO community members should have a mask with them at all times while on campus.

KN95, N95, KF94 or surgical masks are preferred. Cloth and handmade face coverings are discouraged. Double masking with a surgical mask is recommended for those using cloth and handmade masks.

All OHIO community members and visitors are required to wear a mask indoors on OHIO campuses and on public transportation, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Students, faculty, and staff should use KN95s or equivalents whenever possible.

For those who do not have access to the recommended masks, the University will provide a limited number at the beginning of the semester, while supplies last.

• Masks are available for pickup at the fourth-floor information desk at Baker Center, on the second and fourth floor service desks at Alden Library, and at the Ping Center. Athens off-campus students should pick up their masks at those locations; students in residence halls will be provided a limited supply of masks by Residence Life. They will receive them when they check in to their residence hall. 
• Regional campus students can access masks through Student Services on the Chillicothe, Eastern, Southern and Zanesville campuses. Masks are available on the Lancaster campus at the North Lobby information desk in Brasee Hall.
• Masks for faculty and staff will be ordered and distributed by the planning unit PPE contact. Faculty and staff are encouraged to make masks available in classrooms, administrative offices, and other common areas for individuals who need them. Faculty and staff can order masks and other supplies for this purpose through their planning unit’s PPE coordinator.

For more information on the University’s Presidential Health Directives, visit https://www.ohio.edu/coronavirus/presidential-health-directive.