Face Masks & Face Shields

COVID-19
FAQ
Face Masks & Face Shields

Faculty, staff, and students are required to wear face coverings in common building areas or when 6 foot physical distancing (including when outside) is not an option. Faculty and students will be required to wear face coverings in classrooms; some classes may require face shields (provided by the College). Students will be required to wear their face covering when retrieving food items in Stav Hall, removing it to eat only once they are seated in the dining area. Faculty and staff are expected to wear a face covering in their office when other individuals are present in the office. Students are not required to wear a face covering in their own room except when interacting with individuals other than their roommate. Faculty and staff are not obligated to wear a facing covering while alone in their office.

The mask needs to (as much as possible) tightly enclose the area around the nose and mouth, from the bridge of the nose down to the chin, and extend onto the cheeks beyond the corners of the mouth so that there are no gaps when talking or moving one’s head. Masks with ear loops can be supplemented with an extender band (such as the one provided in your COVID-19 kit) to help with mask fit and ear comfort. An adjustable/bendable nose strap (wire/whatever) is almost a requirement to ensure a proper seal over the bridge of the nose. Few masks are designed to provide this close fit without an adjustable nose strap.

The CDC states that masks should have multiple layers of fabric. At a minimum the mask should have two layers of material. Emerging scientific data indicate that ideally a cloth face mask would have at least three layers of tightly woven/densely layered materials, such as:

An outer nonabsorbent layer (such as a polyester/polypropylene blend).
A middle filter layer.
An inner cotton/absorbent layer.

Single layer masks are to be avoided; do not rely on a scarf, bandana, or neck gaiter. Hold the mask up to a light. The fewer tiny holes you see the better it will work to filter/capture exhaled droplets. Stretchy knits aren’t ideal. Masks that claim to be comfortable because they are made of high-stretch materials should be viewed with caution; many high-stretch materials simply allow for larger holes when they are stretched.

In general, no. As per Minnesota Executive Order 20-81, masks that incorporate a valve or vents designed to facilitate easy exhaling are not sufficient face coverings because they allow exhaled droplets to be released into the air. The CDC states that the purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others to aid with source control; masks with exhale valves or vents do not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID-19 to others, and thus are not recommended. One exception may be for specialized masks designed for playing a musical instrument. More information will be shared by music faculty when it is available.

Users need to carry a spare mask during the day since it is always possible for a mask to become too soiled & damp to be effective during the course of a long day (or someone could even temporarily remove the mask during lunch/etc. and end up dropping it). Individuals may ultimately discover that they will want to switch to a clean mask partway through the day, if just for comfort.

Individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that makes it unreasonable for the individual to maintain a face covering. Details can be found in Minnesota Executive Order 20-81. If you feel that wearing a mask while performing a specific job duty might create a job hazard then please contact your supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety (ehs@stolaf.edu). Face coverings can pose special challenges for people who are deaf or hard of hearing or have other communication needs or disabilities.

Minnesota Executive Order 20-81 allows people to temporarily remove their face covering while communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing or who has a condition or disability that makes communication with that individual while wearing a face covering difficult.
See Best Practices for Masks: Considerations for People with Disabilities and Special Health Needs (PDF).

As per Minnesota Executive Order 20-81, a face shield may be considered as an alternative in situations where a face mask is impracticable. Examples include:

Staff, students, or visitors who cannot tolerate a face covering due to developmental, medical, or behavioral health conditions.
Staff or faculty who are providing direct support student services, when a face covering impedes the service being provided.
Faculty who are teaching a class or giving a lecture; or students taking a language class where the face needs to be seen. A face shield allows visibility of facial expressions and lip movements for speech perception.
Staff and students in a class where face coverings may be a hazard due to the nature of the class. Please contact your instructor, supervisor, or Environmental Health & Safety (ehs@stolaf.edu) if you have any questions.

If you are working within 6 feet of an individual and there is somehow the possibility for another person’s exhaled droplets coming in contact with your eyes, then a face shield or other protective eyewear should be worn in addition to the face mask. Please contact your instructor, supervisor, or Environmental Health & Safety (ehs@stolaf.edu) if you have any questions.