Starting Monday, July 20, Minnesota State University, Mankato will require the wearing of face masks in public indoor spaces on campus.
In a letter to the campus community, President Richard Davenport said protecting against COVID-19 is the top priority.
“It is our duty to do everything we can to make our campus safer as we welcome students, faculty, and staff back in the fall,” Davenport said. “I believe this is the right decision for the safety and security of our campus community.”
Davenport added that the University will provide each member of the campus community with two branded cloth face masks.
The new mandate requires all students, faculty, staff and visitors to wear a face covering over both the nose and mouth at all times when indoors on campus or in other University facilities.
The following exceptions apply:
- When alone in a private office.
- When working in an office setting, cubicle or workstation where physical distancing can be maintained.
- When in an assigned residence hall room or apartment.
- When eating or drinking.
- When alone in a motor vehicle.
- Individuals exercising, training, or practicing in Campus Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletic facilities (both indoor and outdoor) may remove the cloth face covering while under physical exertion or in other situations where wearing a mask compromises their safety and welfare.
- Children 12 and under or anyone unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
- When another accommodation is necessary as indicated by a medical expert and granted written permission of the University.
- When an exception for a non-medical reason has been granted by University administration
According to the University’s COVID-19 website, any employee, student, or visitor who fails to abide by this directive without an approved accommodation may be asked or directed to leave the campus. Further discipline actions may be taken for faculty, staff and students who are so directed but fail to comply.
More details of this directive, including information about compliance here.
