Facial coverings are only effective for protection if they are handled, worn, stored and disposed of properly. And experts continue to strongly urge everyone to maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing when possible — even with the use of facial coverings.
Facial coverings limit the transmission of respiratory droplets containing the virus that causes Covid-19. They are an integral part of recognized suppressive measures that include physical distancing which includes avoidance of crowds, good hand hygiene, surface disinfecting, and immediate quarantine if you develop sign or symptoms of this virus.
Additional information about how to wear and clean facial coverings may be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.
“Facial covering” means a covering made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, without holes, that covers only the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face. A covering that hides or obscures the wearer’s eyes or forehead (a costume mask for example) is not a considered a facial covering for NKU’s purposes. Examples of facial coverings include a scarf or bandana; a neck gaiter; a homemade covering made from a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or towel, held on with rubber bands or otherwise; or a facial covering which need not be medical grade. A facial covering may be factory-made or may be handmade and improvised from ordinary household materials. The facial covering should be comfortable, so that the wearer can breathe comfortably through the nose and does not have to adjust it frequently to avoid touching the face.
For as long as medical grade masks such as N95 masks and surgical masks are in short supply, members of the public should not purchase those masks as facial coverings; those medical grade masks should be reserved for health care providers and first responders. Please note that any mask that incorporates a one-way valve (typically a raised plastic cylinder about the size of a quarter on the front or side of the mask) that is designed to facilitate easy exhaling is not a permissible facial covering under NKU’s requirement. Valves of that type permit droplet release from the mask, putting others nearby at risk.
Faculty, staff and students may request an accommodation for a facial covering. Accommodations for facial coverings will be provided for the following reasons with adequate documentation:
Requests for Facial Covering Accommodations will be accepted beginning Monday, June 22nd.
Once the application and documentation have been received and reviewed by the Office of Student Accessibility and Human Resources, generally within 5 business days of receipt, the individual requesting accommodations will be notified via their NKU email of accommodation approval/denial or request for further documentation.
Request Accommodations:
Northern Kentucky University will be providing reusable facial coverings to all faculty, staff, and students beginning January 4, 2021. Reusable facial coverings will be available using your NKU All Card from the Student Union Information Desk during normal building hours.
*NKU faculty, staff, and students who previously received reusable facial coverings in the fall semester are still eligible to receive additional reusable facial coverings during the spring semester.
Limited quantities of disposable masks may be available at the following locations during normal business hours:
Main Campus Locations
University Housing