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.

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

Population

Face Covering Requirements

I-Red

Unvaccinated and vaccinated students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors
  • 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

 

Vaccinated and unvaccinated students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors
  • 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

 

Vaccinated and unvaccinated students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors

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, CAPS)
  • Students in quarantine and isolation as instructed by Student Health Services
  • All indoor classes and labs
  • All indoor environments offering programs for minors ages 2 to 5
  • 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)
  • Students engaged in experiential learning activities away from Mason must follow the masking protocols of the off-site location.

IV-Blue

 

Vaccinated and unvaccinated students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors

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, CAPS)
  • Students in quarantine and isolation as instructed by Student Health Services
  • All indoor environments offering programs for minors ages 2 to 5

V-Green

 

Unvaccinated and vaccinated students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors
  • Face coverings not required. 

 

If You Want a Mask

The university can provide face coverings to employees and students.

  • Mason offers a free N-95 mask to any student, faculty, or staff at Mason's COVID test sites and information kiosks on the Fairfax, Arlington, and SciTech Campuses.

  • Students can go to the Student Involvement Office in the HUB, Suite 2300, or to the Information Desk in SUB 1 to get a mask.

Masks are also available for purchase in Mason Bookstores and in vending machines on our campuses.