COVID-19 Update: May 5, 2020

To: Deans, Directors and Department Heads

From: James Whalen, Director, Public Safety

Re: Requirement for employees and students to wear facial coverings

Out of care and concern for all members of our campus community and in accordance with a recent directive from the Ohio Department of Health, the University of Cincinnati will require all essential employees currently working on campus and during the summer term that begins May 11 to wear facial coverings in the workplace setting.

This requirement begins upon any essential employee or worker’s next return to the campus workplace and is in place for at least the summer term and may be extended further.

In addition, any students living on campus or coming to campus for any reason are also required to wear a facial covering.

Facial coverings must be worn at all times except while eating or alone in a private room or office.

Employees or workers may seek an exemption from the requirement to wear a facial covering. Requests for exemptions may be emailed to Tamie Grunow, chief HR officer, at tamie.grunow@uc.edu

Students may seek an exemption from the requirement to wear a facial covering by emailing University Health Services at COVIDWatch@uc.edu

Exemptions will be based on those listed in the current State of Ohio directive:  

• Facial coverings in the work setting are prohibited by law or regulation;
• Facial coverings are a violation of documented industry standards;
• Facial coverings are not advisable for health reasons;
• Facial coverings are in violation of the business’ documented safety policies;
• Facial coverings are not required when the employee works alone in an assigned work area; or
• There is a functional (practical) reason for an employee not to wear a facial covering in the workplace.

The facial covering mandate may be found in the May 1 “Stay Safe Ohio” order. 

At minimum, a facial covering should be cloth / fabric and cover the nose, mouth and chin. Facial coverings can also be made with a bandana. See more advice from the CDC on how to wear and position a facial covering.