On June 2, we announced initial guidance on wearing face coverings on campus. Since then the research, guidance, and advice from medical experts and public health officials has continued to evolve. We now know that wearing a simple face covering provides valuable, albeit imperfect, protection against the spread of COVID-19, and it is a visual reminder that we must all take precautions to protect our own health and all of those around us. These precautions are important because individuals can carry COVID-19 with no apparent symptoms, and face coverings reduce the possibility that we might unknowingly infect others.
Experts also suggest that extra precautions may be appropriate in communities that have higher levels of COVID-19 spread or risk of spread because of larger populations, living environments, etc. We have such communities on campus and must exercise caution accordingly.
Considering all of this, we are updating our earlier recommendation regarding face coverings.
Effective July 1 and continuing until rescinded, all University of Minnesota Duluth students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors, service providers, vendors, and suppliers) are required to use an appropriate face covering at all times when in any enclosed or indoor space on University campuses and properties with the following exceptions:
- When eating or drinking; however, physical distancing must be practiced.
- In your assigned on-campus apartment or residence hall room.
- When you are alone in a room or where a posted and official University notice indicates masks are not needed.
- When you are alone in a motor vehicle.
- If you are unable to wear a face covering while exercising at the Sports and Health Center.
- In labs or other places that instead require use of a respirator.
- If you require accommodations for health or disability reasons, students and guests should contact UMD Disability Resources; employees should contact the Disability Resource Center.
- An individual with a religious accommodation through Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
The full face covering protocol can be found at the Return to Campus website. An extensive FAQ is also available online.
In addition to wearing a face covering, it is imperative to continue other basic, but critically important, prevention measures. We should frequently wash our hands with soap and water, minimize how often we touch our faces, monitor our health, and above all else, stay home if we feel sick. These easy actions are among the most effective tools we have to maintain the health of everyone in our communities.
We are a community. We can help keep each other safe and be part of the solution. Please join me in committing to the University’s community pledge to protect yourself, your fellow students, staff, faculty, and our community.
Thank you,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
