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Policy No: '''2019'''<br />
Policy No: '''2019'''<br />
Effective Date: '''DRAFT'''<br />
Effective Date: '''08/17/20'''<br />
Revised Date: <br />
Revised Date: <br />
Reviewed Date: ''' ''' <br />
Reviewed Date: ''' ''' <br />
Line 36: Line 36:


==Scope==
==Scope==
This policy applies to all University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) faculty, staff, students, and visitors (including contractors, service providers and others) while on UNMC property.
This policy applies to all University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) faculty, staff, fellows, residents, students and visitors (including contractors, service providers and others) while on property owned or controlled by UNMC.
==Policy Statement==
==Policy Statement==
Beginning August 15, 2020, all UNMC faculty, staff, students and visitors (including contractors, service providers and others) will be required to use a facial covering at all times when indoors (including elevators) on the UNMC campuses, with the following exceptions:<br />
Beginning August 17, 2020, all UNMC faculty, staff, students and visitors (including contractors, service providers and others) will be required to use a face covering at all times when indoors (including elevators) on a UNMC campus, with the following exceptions:
*when eating; however, social distancing practices must be observed,
*When eating (social distancing practices must be observed),
*when alone in a room with a closed door,
*When alone in a room with a closed door.
*when in a motor vehicle alone or only with members of your household,
*When in a motor vehicle alone or only with members of your household,
*when an alternative is necessary as indicated by a medical professional during patient care,*
*When an alternative is necessary as indicated by a medical professional during patient care,*
*when in one’s assigned apartment or residence hall room,
*When in one’s assigned place of residence or UNMC housing unit,
*when the task requires the use of a NIOSH-approved respirator, or  
*When the task requires the use of a NIOSH-approved respirator, or
*when pertaining to children under the age of 2 years.
*When pertaining to children under the age of two (2) years.
In all other indoor settings on campus (including private spaces and cubicles without closed doors), face coverings must be used, even in situations where others remain more than 6 feet away.<br />
 
   *See section on [https://wiki.unmc.edu/index.php/Face_Covering#Requesting_Alternatives Requesting Alternatives] below
   *See section on [https://wiki.unmc.edu/index.php/Face_Covering#Requesting_Alternatives Requesting Alternatives] below
Facial coverings are also required in outdoor settings on the UNMC campuses if safe social distancing and gathering practices are not possible unless subject to an exception. This policy shall remain in effect until further guidance is provided from the Office of the Chancellor.
 
Unless subject to specific exemption, face coverings are also required in outdoor settings on the UNMC campus, including situations wherein individuals are simply transiting open spaces. While brief outdoor ‘mask breaks’ are permitted, such breaks are prohibited in heavily trafficked areas such as in crosswalks and near the entrances and exits of buildings. This policy shall remain in effect until further guidance is provided from the Office of the Chancellor.
==Reason for Policy==
==Reason for Policy==
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged that use of facial coverings can help to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Wearing a cloth face covering will help protect people around you. Face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced when cloth face coverings are used along with other [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html preventive measures], including [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html social distancing], frequent handwashing and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. A facial covering can reduce the trajectory of expelled respiratory droplets, which pose risk to those around you. When you wear a face covering, you demonstrate care about the health and safety of those in our campus communities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged that use of face coverings can help to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Wearing a cloth face covering will help protect people around you. Face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced when cloth face coverings are used along with other [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html preventive measures], including [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html social distancing], frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. A face covering can reduce the trajectory of expelled respiratory droplets, which pose risk to those around you. When you wear a face covering, you demonstrate care about the health and safety of those in our campus community.
==Procedures==
===What Constitutes a Face Covering===
===What Constitutes a Face Covering===
There are no universal design standards for facial coverings. However, the covering must extend from the bridge of the nose to below the chin.
There are no universal design standards for face coverings. However, the covering must extend from the bridge of the nose to below the chin.
*Reusable cloth facial coverings are acceptable, as are disposable paper masks.
*Reusable cloth face coverings are acceptable, as are disposable paper masks.
*A face shield is an acceptable alternative.
*A face shield is an acceptable alternative for those lecturing at the head of a classroom or auditorium, so long as they never come within 6 feet of others. Face shields are not acceptable in other situations except as an accommodation granted to those unable to wear cloth face coverings by either the Department of Human Resources or the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.
*Regardless of the type used, a mask should not be designed with an exhalation valve.
*Neck ‘gaiters’ and bandanas are not acceptable substitutes for cloth masks and should not be used.
===Requesting Alternatives===
*Masks and respirators with exhalations valve are not to be used.
Individuals whose unique and individual circumstances require an alternative face covering, as indicated by a medical professional during patient care, may request one. To request an alternative, students should contact [https://www.unmc.edu/stucouns/services/disabilities/index.html Services for Students with Disabilities]. Staff and faculty should contact UNMC [mailto:employeerelations@unmc.edu Human Resources Employee Relations].
===*Requesting Alternatives===
===Wearing and Caring for One's Facial Covering===
Individuals whose unique and individual circumstances require an alternative face covering, as indicated by a medical professional during patient care, may request one. To request an alternative, students should contact the [https://www.unmc.edu/stucouns/services/disabilities/index.html Office of Services for Students with Disabilities]. Staff and faculty should contact UNMC Department of [https://www.unmc.edu/human-resources Human Resources].
Each individual is responsible to care for their own facial covering. Disposable facial coverings are to be discarded as ordinary refuse after a single day’s use. Reusable cloth facial coverings should be washed regularly. Reusable face shields should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and hot water after each day’s use. Facial coverings that are visibly soiled or in poor condition should not be used.
===Wearing and Caring for One's Face Covering===
Each individual is responsible for the care of their own face covering. Disposable face coverings are to be discarded as ordinary refuse when they become soiled or damaged. Reusable cloth face coverings should be washed regularly. Reusable face shields should be cleaned thoroughly with sanitizing wipes after each day’s use. Cloth face coverings or face shields that are in poor condition should not be used; these may also be discarded as ordinary refuse.
===Additional Protective Measures===
===Additional Protective Measures===
This policy on facial coverings complements other important community and self-protection measures which are to be consistently practiced by all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. These measures include:
This policy on face coverings complements other important community and self-protection measures which are to be consistently practiced by all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. These measures include:
*Staying home if you are sick.
*Stay home if you are sick.
*Before coming to the UNMC campus, self-monitoring for any potential COVID-19 symptoms using evidence-based screening, such as the [https://www.unmc.edu/news.cfm?match=25636 1-Check COVID mobile app] (on Android and iOS devices).
*Before coming to the UNMC campus, self-monitor for any potential COVID-19 symptoms using evidence-based screening, such as the [https://www.unmc.edu/news.cfm?match=25636 1-Check COVID mobile app] (on [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.unmc.covid19screener Android] and [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1-check/id1514252153 iOS devices]), or the [https://1check.app/welcome web-based tool]. Those without web access may connect to the screening app via kiosks located in Wittson Hall and the Sorrell Center.
*Washing hands frequently throughout the day and specifically doing so after contacting high-risk surfaces such as sinks, toilet handles, doorknobs and the like.
*Wash hands frequently throughout the day and should specifically do so after contacting high-risk surfaces such as sinks, toilet handles, doorknob and the like.
*Refraining from touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
*Refraining from touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
*Practicing social distancing, by maintaining six (6) feet of distance from others.
*Practicing social distancing, by maintaining 6 feet of distance from others.
*Assisting in environmental cleaning by promptly washing surfaces that might have been contaminated by bodily fluids (e.g., one should disinfect their desk if they happen to sneeze on it). If the ability of the individual to accomplish such cleaning is limited, contact environmental services personnel.
*Assisting in environmental cleaning by promptly washing surfaces that might have been contaminated by bodily fluids (e.g., one should disinfect their desk if they happen to sneeze on it). If the ability of the individual to accomplish such cleaning is limited, contact environmental services personnel.
===Compliance===
===Compliance===
Compliance with this policy is for the protection of those with whom you will be in contact when on campus. Any employee, student or visitor who fails to abide by these guidelines may be asked or directed to leave the campus space. Employees and students who are directed to leave a campus space for failure to comply with these guidelines may be taken off duty and/or subject to disciplinary action. For non-emergency COVID-19 concerns, including compliance with the face covering policy, please report your concerns to the '''Behavioral Review Team using the [https://www.unomaha.edu/student-life/student-safety/report-now.php Report Now] link.''' 
Compliance with this policy is for the protection of those with whom you will be in contact when on campus. Any employee, student or visitor who fails to abide by these guidelines may be asked or directed to leave the campus space. Employees and students who are directed to leave a campus space for failure to comply with these guidelines may be taken off duty and/or subject to disciplinary action. For non-emergency COVID-19 concerns, including compliance with this face covering policy, please report your concerns to your supervisor or to the [mailto:unmchealthsecurity@unmc.edu UNMC Office of Health Security].  
===Counteracting Existing Marginalization===
In implementing this policy, we must ensure protocols to optimize safety and provide a sense of wellbeing for all members of our community. We recognize that a policy to wear facial coverings may exacerbate implicit biases and existing racial stereotypes. Thus, we will provide training and professional development for members of campus units regarding face coverings in order to prevent racial profiling and targeting.
==Definitions==
 
==Additional Information==
==Additional Information==
*[mailto:unmchealthsecurity@unmc.edu UNMC Office of Health Security]
*[mailto:ted.cieslak@unmc.edu UNMC Office of Health Security]
*[http://www.unmc.edu/ehs/ Environmental Health & Safety Department], 402-559-6356
*[http://www.unmc.edu/ehs/ Environmental Health & Safety Department], 402-559-6356
:*[https://info.unmc.edu/safety/safety-office/policies-resources/index.html UNMC Safety Resources]
*[mailto:unmcsecurityoffice@unmc.edu UNMC Campus Security], 402-559-5111
*[mailto:unmcsecurityoffice@unmc.edu UNMC Campus Security], 402-559-5111
*[https://www.unmc.edu/stucouns/services/disabilities/index.html Services for Students with Disabilities], 402-559-7276
*[https://www.unmc.edu/stucouns/services/disabilities/index.html Office of Services for Students with Disabilities], 402-559-7276
:*[https://www.unmc.edu/stucouns/services/disabilities/verification-of-disability-form.pdf Verification of Disability Form]
:*[https://www.unmc.edu/stucouns/services/disabilities/verification-of-disability-form.pdf Verification of Disability Form]
*[https://www.unmc.edu/human-resources UNMC Human Resources]
*[mailto:employeerelations@unmc.edu Human Resources Employee Relations]
*[mailto:employeerelations@unmc.edu Human Resources Employee Relations]
:*[http://www.unmc.edu/hr/Proc/ADA-Sec504%20Grievance%20Procedures.pdf Americans with Disability Act and Section 504 Grievance Procedures – University of Nebraska]
:*[http://www.unmc.edu/hr/Proc/ADA-Sec504%20Grievance%20Procedures.pdf Americans with Disability Act and Section 504 Grievance Procedures – University of Nebraska]
:*[https://www.unmc.edu/hr/Proc/Req%20for%20Reasonable%20Accommodation%20-%20ADA.pdf Requests for Reasonable Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act]
:*[https://www.unmc.edu/hr/Proc/Req%20for%20Reasonable%20Accommodation%20-%20ADA.pdf Requests for Reasonable Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act]
*UNMC Policy No. 1098, [https://wiki.unmc.edu/index.php/Corrective/Disciplinary_Action Corrective and Disciplinary Action]
*UNMC Policy No. 1098, [https://wiki.unmc.edu/index.php/Corrective/Disciplinary_Action Corrective and Disciplinary Action]
*[https://www.unmc.edu/news.cfm?match=25636 1-Check COVID mobile app](on Android and iOS devices)
*[https://www.unmc.edu/news.cfm?match=25636 1-Check COVID mobile app]  
*[https://info.unmc.edu/safety/safety-office/policies-resources/index.html UNMC Safety Resources]
:*[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.unmc.covid19screener Android]
:*[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1-check/id1514252153 iOS devices]
:*[https://1check.app/welcome web-based tool]
*[https://www.cdc.gov/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
*[https://www.cdc.gov/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
:*[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Coronavirus Information and Tools]
:*[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Coronavirus Information and Tools]
Line 91: Line 94:
:*[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html Social Distancing]
:*[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html Social Distancing]
==History and Moving Forward==
==History and Moving Forward==
This interim policy is effective for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. UNMC will periodically evaluate this interim policy, consult stakeholders and constituents as appropriate, and modify this policy if necessary.
This interim policy is effective for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. UNMC will periodically evaluate this interim policy, consult stakeholders and constituents as appropriate, and modify this policy as necessary.




This page maintained by [mailto:dpanowic@unmc.edu dkp].
This page maintained by [mailto:dpanowic@unmc.edu dkp].

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Policy No: 2019
Effective Date: 08/17/20
Revised Date:
Reviewed Date:

Interim Face Covering Policy

Scope

This policy applies to all University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) faculty, staff, fellows, residents, students and visitors (including contractors, service providers and others) while on property owned or controlled by UNMC.

Policy Statement

Beginning August 17, 2020, all UNMC faculty, staff, students and visitors (including contractors, service providers and others) will be required to use a face covering at all times when indoors (including elevators) on a UNMC campus, with the following exceptions:

  • When eating (social distancing practices must be observed),
  • When alone in a room with a closed door.
  • When in a motor vehicle alone or only with members of your household,
  • When an alternative is necessary as indicated by a medical professional during patient care,*
  • When in one’s assigned place of residence or UNMC housing unit,
  • When the task requires the use of a NIOSH-approved respirator, or
  • When pertaining to children under the age of two (2) years.

In all other indoor settings on campus (including private spaces and cubicles without closed doors), face coverings must be used, even in situations where others remain more than 6 feet away.

 *See section on Requesting Alternatives below

Unless subject to specific exemption, face coverings are also required in outdoor settings on the UNMC campus, including situations wherein individuals are simply transiting open spaces. While brief outdoor ‘mask breaks’ are permitted, such breaks are prohibited in heavily trafficked areas such as in crosswalks and near the entrances and exits of buildings. This policy shall remain in effect until further guidance is provided from the Office of the Chancellor.

Reason for Policy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged that use of face coverings can help to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Wearing a cloth face covering will help protect people around you. Face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced when cloth face coverings are used along with other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. A face covering can reduce the trajectory of expelled respiratory droplets, which pose risk to those around you. When you wear a face covering, you demonstrate care about the health and safety of those in our campus community.

What Constitutes a Face Covering

There are no universal design standards for face coverings. However, the covering must extend from the bridge of the nose to below the chin.

  • Reusable cloth face coverings are acceptable, as are disposable paper masks.
  • A face shield is an acceptable alternative for those lecturing at the head of a classroom or auditorium, so long as they never come within 6 feet of others. Face shields are not acceptable in other situations except as an accommodation granted to those unable to wear cloth face coverings by either the Department of Human Resources or the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.
  • Neck ‘gaiters’ and bandanas are not acceptable substitutes for cloth masks and should not be used.
  • Masks and respirators with exhalations valve are not to be used.

*Requesting Alternatives

Individuals whose unique and individual circumstances require an alternative face covering, as indicated by a medical professional during patient care, may request one. To request an alternative, students should contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. Staff and faculty should contact UNMC Department of Human Resources.

Wearing and Caring for One's Face Covering

Each individual is responsible for the care of their own face covering. Disposable face coverings are to be discarded as ordinary refuse when they become soiled or damaged. Reusable cloth face coverings should be washed regularly. Reusable face shields should be cleaned thoroughly with sanitizing wipes after each day’s use. Cloth face coverings or face shields that are in poor condition should not be used; these may also be discarded as ordinary refuse.

Additional Protective Measures

This policy on face coverings complements other important community and self-protection measures which are to be consistently practiced by all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. These measures include:

  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Before coming to the UNMC campus, self-monitor for any potential COVID-19 symptoms using evidence-based screening, such as the 1-Check COVID mobile app (on Android and iOS devices), or the web-based tool. Those without web access may connect to the screening app via kiosks located in Wittson Hall and the Sorrell Center.
  • Wash hands frequently throughout the day and should specifically do so after contacting high-risk surfaces such as sinks, toilet handles, doorknob and the like.
  • Refraining from touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Practicing social distancing, by maintaining 6 feet of distance from others.
  • Assisting in environmental cleaning by promptly washing surfaces that might have been contaminated by bodily fluids (e.g., one should disinfect their desk if they happen to sneeze on it). If the ability of the individual to accomplish such cleaning is limited, contact environmental services personnel.

Compliance

Compliance with this policy is for the protection of those with whom you will be in contact when on campus. Any employee, student or visitor who fails to abide by these guidelines may be asked or directed to leave the campus space. Employees and students who are directed to leave a campus space for failure to comply with these guidelines may be taken off duty and/or subject to disciplinary action. For non-emergency COVID-19 concerns, including compliance with this face covering policy, please report your concerns to your supervisor or to the UNMC Office of Health Security.

Additional Information

History and Moving Forward

This interim policy is effective for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. UNMC will periodically evaluate this interim policy, consult stakeholders and constituents as appropriate, and modify this policy as necessary.


This page maintained by dkp.