What is the latest guidance for wearing masks while on the Oxy campus?

Updated 6/26/23

As of June 26, masking in Emmons Wellness Center is  required  for the following:

  • Anyone with respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose)
  • Individuals who have tested positive for COVID
  • Employees when working directly with patients or in patient-care areas when patients are present

Those who don't fall into any of the categories above are strongly recommended to wear a mask when in Emmons, particularly when patients are present, but are no longer required to do so. 

Masks are strongly recommended in other indoor and crowded outdoor settings.

Faculty may require masking within their classroom spaces.

 

Masking FAQs

Just as faculty members can require the use of masks in their classroom, each staff member and administrator can require the use of masks in their individual office. In indoor workspaces and common areas the wearing of masks is strongly recommended, but not required. Any group that works together can decide collectively to wear masks even if the space is a "masks strongly recommended" space. We are relying on our culture of care and mutual respect to guide those discussions and decisions.

We continue to test symptomatic and exposed people, and to contract trace all positive cases on campus to identify sources of spread and potential outbreak.

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, College policy will continue to change based on the facts on the ground. We will consult county guidelines and monitor the rate of virus on campus, our isolation space capacity and the severity of illness community members are experiencing. Should we see a significant reversal of the current positive trends, we will not hesitate to reinstate mandatory masking, widespread surveillance testing, or other mitigation measures as needed.

Yes. Surgical, KN95, and N95 masks are all available on campus. Surgical mask stands will remain in place in the Academic Commons, AGC, and outside of Emmons for individuals. If departments or classrooms need surgical, N95 or KN95 masks in bulk, please email acasillas@oxy.edu at Emmons with your request (quantity/type of mask). Please provide Emmons with advance notice of your request, and they will confirm when your order is ready for pick-up.