UK Environmental Health & Safety supports following all current federal, state, and local guidelines for COVID-19 including current directives from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Kentucky State Government. An overview for mask use is listed below and supporting guidelines can be found in the resources section of this document.
- Cloth masks should be worn whenever people are in a community setting to avoid spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Workers coming to campus should have a mask with them and put them on when they are travelling on public transportation, walking in hallways, in shared work areas, and outdoors when social distancing is not assured. Masks would not be needed when in private offices. Information on use of masks is provided in the resources section (1, 2).
- UK has obtained a supply of masks and can be ordered through UK Supply Center. When searching mask as the key word, appropriate masks for COVID-19 are ones with ear loops. N95s with exhalation valves are not appropriate. Employees can bring and wear their own masks or any cloth face covering that covers the nose and mouth. Contact your supervisor for information.
- Do not use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker such as a surgical mask or respirators such as an N-95.
- If you have been given a N-95 respirator due to shortage of other options, it must not have an exhalation valve.
- Maintain social distancing even while wearing a mask.
