Because COVID-19 is spread through droplets when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes, one of the most important tools we have in this fight are face coverings.

• Everyone is required to wear face coverings that cover the mouth and nose in all campus buildings, including hallways, conference and meeting rooms, multi-person workstations, elevators, stairwells, restrooms and kitchens, regardless of whether social distancing can be maintained and guaranteed.
• Face coverings must be worn at all times, regardless of distancing, in classrooms and all instructional areas.
• Examples of acceptable face coverings include cloth face coverings - such as those being distributed to all students, faculty and staff - surgical masks and bandanas that cover the nose and mouth. If you have questions, email safety@appstate.edu. 
• Everyone is required to carry a face covering at all times while on campus, in case they encounter an unforeseen situation where at least 6 feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. 
• You are not required to wear a face covering when you are working alone in an enclosed indoor space, such as offices or study rooms, as long as you remain alone. This does not apply to indoor spaces that are frequently entered by other individuals.
• You are not required to wear a face covering in private living spaces within residential halls, but the policy does apply to common areas such as lobbies.
• You may temporarily remove your face covering while drinking or eating at a dining room table in a university dining facility or other area designated for dining. Eating and drinking in common areas in residence halls is not permitted.
• Read the policy in full here.

We are relying on members of our community to adhere to these standards, but when necessary, we also will enforce these behaviors. This will include asking students who do not have a face covering to leave the classroom, campus building or other venue and only return when they have a face covering. Students who continue to violate this policy may be subject to further action per the Code of Student Conduct. Similarly, employees who do not wear a face covering may be subject to disciplinary action based on our policies regarding employee performance and behaviors in the workplace.

• Students who seek a modification to this policy due to a medical condition should contact the Office of Disability Resources.
• Employees with a similar request should complete the "High Risk Identification Form" found here. Accommodations may be made on a case by case basis to facilitate teaching and learning in specific environments.