Masking in classroom reminders

With the Fall 2022 school semester well underway, the UIC COVID-19 Contact Tracing and Epidemiology Program would like to remind you of the following to keep yourself, your fellow UIC community members, and your loved ones safe.

Masking continues to be required in UIC classrooms, lecture centers, research laboratories, libraries, UIC shuttles and buses, learning/success centers, and health care settings.

• In the classroom, instructors/lecturers may take off their mask to lecture when greater than 6 feet from the students/audience.
• In spaces where masking is required, masks should not be removed to eat or drink.
• We strongly encourage you to mask in other settings such as offices, hallways, lobbies, lounges, student centers, etc. to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 transmission.
• Masks should be adequately thick, well-fitted, and cover your nose, mouth, and chin. To maximize protection, consider utilizing a higher quality mask, such as a KN95 or wearing a disposable mask under a cloth mask (double masking).
• Masking is especially important for individuals who are not vaccinated, or up to date on their vaccinations, but also, for those with weakened immune systems or at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease.

Since our program has been operational, our data have shown that masking plays an essential role in keeping our classrooms and campus spaces safe. It is critical that we continue to do our part to protect our loved ones and community members.

UIC COVID-19 Contact Tracing and Epidemiology Program