3.17 Interim Face-Covering Policy

This policy applies to faculty, teachers, staff, students, administrators, vendors, contractors, visitors, volunteers, and other individuals who are present on campus at Gallaudet University.

Effective immediately and until further notice, wearing face masks or coverings is required when on the Gallaudet University (the “University”) campus or in public areas of University housing and when physical distancing of at least six feet from other people is not possible. Any individuals found to not be wearing a face mask when required may be subject to disciplinary action, including being asked to leave the campus.

This policy may be modified or amended at any time to comply with current governmental orders and professional medical health guidance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wearing a mask is not required when:

• A person is a resident or guest in a private home or apartment;
• A person is actively eating, drinking, or legally smoking;
• A person is engaged in vigorous outdoor exercise and is maintaining a social distance of at least six (6) feet from each other person;
• A person is in the water at a swimming pool;
• A person is in an enclosed office that no one else is permitted to enter;
• A person is aged two (2) years old or younger;
• A person is giving a speech for broadcast or an audience, provided no one is within twelve (12) feet of the speaker;
• The equipment required for a job precludes the wearing of a mask and the person is wearing that equipment, or when wearing a mask would endanger public safety;
• A person has been lawfully asked to remove the mask for facial recognition purposes.

• Employees who do not comply with this policy may be subject to disciplinary actions. 

• Students who do not comply with this policy and other health and safety-related policies will be required to meet with a Student Health Ambassador and/or the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices (SARP). The initial goal will be to engage students in a conversation to raise student accountability to self and community for a higher level of health and safety. If a student continues to resist COVID-19 rules, SARP will take further action to protect the health of the community, including sanctioning the student with the loss of a wide range of privileges which may include campus access restrictions.
  
  

Contractors, visitors, and community members who do not comply with this policy will not be permitted entry to the campus or will be escorted from the campus by DPS. 

The University recognizes the barriers to communication that traditional face masks or coverings, particularly the solid opaque ones, may present for lip reading and non-manual markers for our Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deafblind community members. 

The University may be able to provide clear masks upon request for non-signers to wear when on campus if needed to communicate with signing members of the University community. Please contact the DPS at dps@gallaudet.edu or by text at 202-651-5555.

For our Deaf-Blind members and Deaf interpreters who need to be within close proximity of each other on campus, additional protective personal equipment, such as gloves and disposable gowns will be provided. Contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at oswd@gallaudet.edu or Gallaudet Interpreting Service at gis@gallaudet.edu.

Click to view Gallaudet’s Face Covering Rules

Face masks are only effective for protection if they are handled, worn, stored, and disposed of properly. And wearing one does not negate the need for maintaining appropriate social distance, hand and cough/sneeze hygiene, and avoiding touching one’s face.

•  Before and after handling the mask (to put on, adjust, or take off), either wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to reduce cross-contamination risk. The outside of the mask should always be considered dirty.
•  in some way so you can easily identify which side is the outside of the mask and handle it accordingly.
•  every time you take it off; an open plastic Ziploc-style baggie is an alternative if a paper bag is not available. Always store a mask in a clean place. Never store it in a purse or pocket.
•  Leaving the mask dangling or improperly fitted to your face creates opportunities for cross-contamination.

Wash hands or use hand sanitizer before applying face covering. Try to touch the inside and outside of the face-covering as little as possible. Wash hands after applying the face covering. Once the face covering is in place, do not touch the outside or slip fingers under it (to the scratch nose or to adjust). Wash hands or use hand sanitizer after inadvertently touching the face covering. Do NOT place the face-covering around your neck to blow your nose, eat, etc.

Source: The Times of India  

To safely remove the face covering: first, wash hands or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching the outside or inside of the mask as much as possible. Remove it by using the ties and gently pull away from your face. Do not shake it.

Do not use a face-covering more than one day without washing it. Launder face coverings by gently placing them in the washing machine (using ties or by not touching the face mask as much as possible) and using as hot water temperature as possible for the material used OR wash by hand in a sink after gently placing to soak in hot, soapy water. Wash hands after handling pre-washed face coverings.