USU announces face covering mandate
Utah State University President Noelle Cockett has implemented a face covering mandate for all campuses.
“USU is a research university, and the best available research demonstrates that if everyone wore face coverings, it would significantly lower the transmission rate of the disease,” President Cockett said in a press release published Tuesday. “Face coverings are key to minimizing the risk of COVID-19 on our campuses and centers this fall, and by working together, we can keep our employees and students safe.”
USU’s policy states face coverings will be required in campus buildings, outdoors on campus when social distancing is not possible and in USU vehicles. Exceptions include recreational facilities with 6 feet of distancing, private offices or laboratories, eating areas and on-campus housing units.
Emilie Wheeler, USU’s news director, said the university has been considering the mandate ever since Utah Gov. Gary Herbert ordered face coverings in state buildings, including higher education facilities.
Wheeler said measures will be taken to help people social distance in classrooms on campus.
“All classrooms have been evaluated and assigned a maximum class size to allow for appropriate social distancing,” she said. “Where seating is fixed, predetermined chairs will be marked. Excess furniture that will not be conducive to social distancing spacing will be stored when possible.”
Accommodations will be made when needed, such as marking wheelchair accessible seats. Each classroom will have signs designating which doors are for entry and exits.
Social distancing will also be encouraged in eating areas where face coverings are not required.
“The university has and will install heavy signage in dining areas encouraging social distancing,” Wheeler said. “We will ask students to be responsible for maintaining appropriate distance from others. This could include eating alone, taking food to go or only eating with those who live inside their households.”
As for social distancing on the Aggie Shuttle, Wheeler said new passenger limits may be implemented this fall. Currently, the shuttles are to be cleaned and disinfected every hour.
Before fall semester begins, USU’s student code will include health and safety directives regarding face coverings.
“Students who do not wear a mask to in-person classes will be asked not to return to class unless they have a mask on,” Wheeler said. “Lack of compliance will be addressed by the Office of Student Conduct. We strongly recommend that those who cannot wear a face covering due to medical conditions work with the Disability Resource Center to review available accommodations.”
Wheeler said USU is not anticipating significant decreases in case numbers this fall, but will evaluate the situation as it evolves and consider all options.
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