Face MASKS

Compliance
Anyone who does not comply with the COVID-19 Mask Policy will be required to leave the space or event. Repeat offenders will be subject to disciplinary action. Students should be reported to the Dean of Students, Faculty should be reported to the Provost and Staff should be reported to the Director of Human Resources.

Why we cover our faces:

COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. A significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Face masks provide an extra layer to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling in the air and onto other people or surfaces.

A a cloth or procedural face mask may not fully protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others. Face masks slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

When to wear a covering:

The CDC recommends to stay at least 6 feet from other people outside of your home and wear a cloth face cover in public settings. The cloth face mask is not a substitute for social distancing. Until further notice facemasks should be worn at Wesleyan. Please wear a mask:

• in any indoor space where you come into contact with people 
• during class or any large gathering of people (regardless of social distancing)
• outdoors if you are around any other people (please carry a mask with you in case you come in contact with other people.)
   

What is the best type of cloth or procedural face mask?

The CDC recommends to make sure your cloth or procedural face mask:

• fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• completely covers the nose and mouth
• is secured with ties or ear loops
• includes multiple layers of fabric (at least 2)
• allows for breathing without restriction
• can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
• acceptable masks

How to wear a face mask:

To put on a face mask:  Be sure to clean your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before putting on your face covering.  

• If the mask has ear loops, hold the mask by the ear loops. Bring the mask to your nose level and place a loop around each ear.  
• If the mask has ties, bring the mask to your nose level and place the top ties over the crown of your head and secure with a bow. Then take the bottom ties, one in each hand, and secure with a bow at the nape of your neck. 
• If the face covering has a wire nosepiece, mold or pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose. 

Adjust the mask so it fits snugly against the sides of your face. Be sure the bottom of the mask covers your mouth and chin.

While wearing a face mask: Keep the covering on your face the entire time you are in public. Do not put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead. Do not pull the covering below your nose. Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

To remove a face mask: Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before touching the mask. Avoid touching the front of the mask. The front of the mask is contaminated. Only touch the ear loops/ties/band.

• If the mask has ear loops: Hold both of the ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask.
• If the mask has ties: Untie the bottom bow first then untie the top bow and pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened.

Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.

How to clean a cloth face mask?

Cloth face masks should be washed after each use (daily). Chlorine bleach or laundry disinfectants may be used if desired. Use a heavy-duty detergent that contains enough enzymes to break down soil and sweat on the interior surface of the mask. Cloth face masks can be dried in a dryer or lay flat until completely dry.

Cleaning a mask with a clear plastic component or a plastic face shield is slightly different. To help with fog obscuring the clear plastic area you should apply to the inside-facing part of the clear plastic an anti-fog spray.  The following have been found to work well: white bar of soap, foam shaving cream, dawn dish detergent, hand sanitizer, clear, plain liquid hand soap, shampoo without added conditioner, small dab of olive oil. Wipe the plastic clean with a clean paper towel or other cloth.

What if I can’t wear a face mask?

Masks are required on campus and in the classroom. Students who have a documented disability that would prevent mask wearing, should contact the Director of Disability Services, Jill Amos (jamos@wesleyancollege.edu) to see if a remote learning accommodation can be made. Employees should contact Meagon Davis (mdavis@wesleyancollege.edu) for remote work options. We are providing our instructors and other office employees with transparent masks so our students who are deaf and hard of hearing will still be able to communicate.