Masks

Brandeis policies continue to be informed by CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and local Board of Health guidance, as well as the needs of our community. Brandeis has updated its masking policies in light of the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant.

Allowable mask options

Allowable face coverings are defined as those that secure via ear loops or with ties and have a snug fit to the face, over the nose, and under the chin and are multilayered. Brandeis strongly recommends that community members obtain medical-grade masks such as surgical masks, or KN95 and KF94 respirators. If you choose to continue wearing a cloth mask, consider adding a protective HEPA mask filter for additional protection. Please review the CDC's guidelines for proper mask-wearing; improperly-worn masks are not effective in preventing COVID transmission.

Face coverings with valves or plastic face shields used alone do not provide protection to the user or to the community, nor do bandanas, scarves, or gaiters; such face coverings are unacceptable and do not meet the requirements of this policy.

• All individuals regardless of vaccination status must wear a mask in all Brandeis indoor settings, except in:
  
  • Private labs or office areas, when alone or with the door closed
  • Private rooms, suites, and apartments in the University residences or while attending to personal care in public bathrooms, e.g., showering, tooth brushing
  • When actively eating or drinking
  • When swimming in the Lindsey Pool
  • Noted exceptions in classes (below)
• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a mask at all times — indoors or outdoors — with the exception of eating and drinking while maintaining 6-foot distancing or when alone in an indoor space.
• Classes. Masks are required in all indoor classes with the following exceptions:
  • In classes where pedagogical needs do not allow for masks to be worn (i.e. theater, language classes, vocal performance, physical education, etc.), it is an option, at the discretion of the instructor, for fully vaccinated students to demonstrate a green-only Campus Passport to participate without a mask (no yellow).
  • When speaking in a group setting where all others present are masked (e.g., a faculty member, instructor or TA giving a lecture; a guest speaker at an event; a student giving a presentation); a speaker may lower or remove their mask while speaking and then raise or replace their mask to allow others to speak.
• Performers. Brandeis performers demonstrating a green-only Passport may unmask during performances indoors or outdoors; guest performers may unmask during a performance provided they are fully vaccinated and produce a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours of the performance in addition to following the Visitor Policy. At least 6 ft of distancing must be maintained between the stage/performance area and the audience.
• Indoor Audiences. Brandeis audience members attending indoor performances must present either a green/yellow passport.,Visitors from outside Brandeis must display the email they receive documenting their passed visitor Daily Health Assessment upon entry. All audience members must remain masked.
• Outdoor Audiences. Fully vaccinated audience members who are members of the Brandeis Community displaying a green/yellow passport are not required to mask at outdoor performances.
• Visitors and Unvaccinated Audience Members. All visitors and unvaccinated individuals must continue to follow the policies for visitors and unvaccinated individuals, as applicable, at all times.
• In the library and classrooms, eating is not allowed (unless permitted by the instructor), though masks may be lowered briefly while sipping a beverage.

Do I have to bring my own mask?

Yes. Unless designated as an essential employee, all community members must provide their own face mask each day they are on campus.

Failure to bring and wear a face may result in being asked to leave campus. Refusal or repeated failures to follow this directive will result in disciplinary action.

What if I have a disability or medical condition?

Community members with a disability or medical condition that requires accommodations for a specific type of mask or face covering should contact the appropriate campus health provider.

For faculty, staff, and affiliates, contact Occupational Health Services (781-736-8757; occhealth@brandeis.edu); for students, contact the Brandeis Student Health Center (781-736-3677, brandeishealthcenter@brandeis.edu).

Proper Mask Use and Care Tips

• Wash or sanitize your hands before putting on a mask; wash or sanitize your hands prior to and after removing a mask.
• Wear your mask securely over your nose, mouth, and tucked under your chin, fitting snugly to your face the entire time you are in public. Do not wear your mask on your forehead, under your chin, around your neck, hanging off one ear, or on your elbow.  
• Avoid touching the exterior of your mask; wash or sanitize your hands if you do.
• Change or launder face masks if they become soiled, wet, or damaged. Disposable masks must not be used for more than one day and must be discarded after use. Cloth face masks must be laundered after each day of use.
• Continue to adhere to other protective safety measures including physical distancing and frequent handwashing while wearing your mask.