Face Coverings
Based on current public health conditions and aligned with CDC guidance, masks are recommended, but not required, in most indoor spaces including classrooms.
We will continue to require that surgical masks or higher-grade masks be worn:
- In any building/facility that is operated by or affiliated with the University where long-standing workplace safety and infection control measures are in place, such as laboratory settings or areas where regulated chemicals are used or stored, or where patients or human subjects participating in clinical research are seen in person.
Surgical masks are three-ply disposable masks. Higher grade masks include KN95 or KF94 masks.
The University will provide surgical masks in building front entrances, classrooms, and other large sites. Surgical and KN95 masks will also be provided upon request. Please call the Facilities Management Work Control Desk at 520-621-3000 or contact your building manager.
These requirements apply to all faculty, staff, students, designated campus colleagues and visitors to the University of Arizona campus or University locations.
Please contact the Disability Resource Center if you have questions regarding a disability or medical-related condition.
Please review the current CDC guidance on the use of masks and watch this helpful video to improve the fit of your mask.
Updated August 10, 2022
While individuals cannot require others to wear a mask, given the varying levels of personal risk from COVID-19, we encourage members of the university community to be compassionate towards one another and respectful of each other’s needs. Building access and access to university services cannot be denied based on an individual's decision not to wear a mask where masks are not required. Please contact the Disability Resource Center if you have questions regarding a disability or medical-related condition.
Yes. Use of self-supplied N95 respirators continues to be allowed, but individuals choosing to use an N95 must follow the UArizona Voluntary Use of Respiratory Protection During COVID-19 guidelines.
Although employees voluntarily choosing to wear an N95 mask are not required to have their N95 mask fit tested, the University will offer N95 fit testing for faculty, staff or students who voluntarily choose to provide and wear their own N95 respirator. Contact Risk Management Services at 520-621-1790 or risk@arizona.edu to request an N95 fit test.
Yes. Based on availability, Facilities Management will replenish a stock of extra face coverings in each classroom and lab daily. However, if demand is high, stocks may be low.
Yes, instructors can be heard with masks; although other visual communication cues may be diminished. In large central classrooms equipped with microphones, the microphones have been tested with masks and found to work well. Instructors can contact Classroom Technologies Services (520-621-3852) to review the central classrooms, their setup, and the available technology.
If a student is concerned about wearing a face covering on the basis of their disability or medical condition, please ask the student to contact the Disability Resource Center at DRC-info@arizona.edu or call 520-621-3268 to discuss a potential accommodation. Note that there are no exceptions to wearing a mask in those spaces where it is required, and that DRC will help the student to find a mask that works for them, or will help them to find an alternative to being present in those spaces.
No, please work with your supervisor and building manager.
Face coverings should fit snugly and comfortably to your face, with no large gaps around the top or sides, and must cover the nose, mouth, and chin at all times. Don’t lower your mask to breathe through your nose or to speak to someone – you may be spreading potentially infectious respiratory droplets into the air around you. You should avoid touching your face covering while wearing it, but when you do wash your hands before and after.