Face Coverings

Mason's face covering policy is aimed at helping our community be safer. Although masks are optional with some exceptions, if you're more comfortable wearing a mask, feel free to continue.

There are several minor and targeted exceptions requiring masks listed in the chart on this page. If you are in a situation requiring a mask, but have an issue, you have options.

Faculty and staff who wish to request a medical exemption from wearing a mask where required should contact Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for more information
Students who seek a medical exemption from wearing a mask should visit the Office of Disability Services for more information.
Event organizers might require masks. Visit University Events for more information.

Mason uses a tiered color-coded system to communicate mask requirements. Please refer to the table for guidance.

For more information, read University Policy 1415 on Face Coverings.

Face Covering Levels may change based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Department of Labor and Industry, and local health department guidelines. When changes to Mason’s Face Covering Levels are made, changes will be announced to the university community via email and updated here.

Mason's Current Face-Covering Level Is Blue

Face Covering Level	Face Covering Requirements
I-Red	Indoors in all university facilities (indoor or enclosed spaces including buildings and vehicles) Outdoors at events or where physical distancing can't be maintained In university-owned or operated mass or public-transit vehicles when others are present (for example, Mason shuttle, van pool vehicles, university-owned vehicles with multiple passengers)
II-Orange	Indoors in all university facilities (indoor or enclosed spaces including buildings and vehicles) In university-owned or operated mass or public-transit vehicles when others are present (for example, Mason shuttle, van pool vehicles, university-owned vehicles with multiple passengers)
III-Yellow	Face coverings are OPTIONAL, with some exceptions: In health care facilities or designated waiting spaces for health care patients (for example, Student Health Services, COVID testing sites, Intercollegiate Athletics training and medical facilities, Peterson Population Health Center) Students in quarantine and isolation as instructed by Student Health Services All indoor classes and labs In university-owned or operated mass or public-transit vehicles when others are present (for example, Mason shuttle, van pool vehicles, university-owned vehicles with multiple passengers)
IV-Blue	Face coverings are OPTIONAL, with some exceptions: In health care facilities or designated waiting spaces for health care patients (for example, Student Health Services, COVID testing sites, Intercollegiate Athletics training and medical facilities, Peterson Population Health Center) Students in quarantine and isolation as instructed by Student Health Services
V-Green	Face coverings not required.

Face Covering Level

Face Covering Requirements

I-Red

Indoors in all university facilities (indoor or enclosed spaces including buildings and vehicles)
Outdoors at events or where physical distancing can't be maintained
In university-owned or operated mass or public-transit vehicles when others are present (for example, Mason shuttle, van pool vehicles, university-owned vehicles with multiple passengers)

II-Orange

Indoors in all university facilities (indoor or enclosed spaces including buildings and vehicles)
In university-owned or operated mass or public-transit vehicles when others are present (for example, Mason shuttle, van pool vehicles, university-owned vehicles with multiple passengers)

III-Yellow

Face coverings are OPTIONAL, with some exceptions:

In health care facilities or designated waiting spaces for health care patients (for example, Student Health Services, COVID testing sites, Intercollegiate Athletics training and medical facilities, Peterson Population Health Center)
Students in quarantine and isolation as instructed by Student Health Services
All indoor classes and labs
In university-owned or operated mass or public-transit vehicles when others are present (for example, Mason shuttle, van pool vehicles, university-owned vehicles with multiple passengers)

IV-Blue

Face coverings are OPTIONAL, with some exceptions:

In health care facilities or designated waiting spaces for health care patients (for example, Student Health Services, COVID testing sites, Intercollegiate Athletics training and medical facilities, Peterson Population Health Center)
Students in quarantine and isolation as instructed by Student Health Services

V-Green

Face coverings not required.

If You Want a Mask

Mason offers a free N-95 mask to any student, faculty, or staff at Mason's COVID test sites. Masks are also available for purchase in Mason Bookstores and in vending machines on our campuses.