Face coverings needed indoors at all three U-M campuses

The number of regional COVID-19 cases are increasing. And there is a greater risk of transmission due to the more infectious Delta variant. With these public health and safety concerns, the University of Michigan will require anyone in a campus building or on campus transit to wear a face covering, regardless of vaccination status. 

The updated face covering policy, which goes into effect Wednesday, Aug. 11, requires faculty, staff, students and visitors to U-M campuses in Dearborn, Flint and Ann Arbor to wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose in most indoor settings, including classrooms, libraries, offices and indoor sports venues.

“I know that we’ve already become accustomed to not wearing a face covering if vaccinated, but we want everyone in our community to be as safe as possible, especially as the highly infectious Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread,” said U-M President Mark Schlissel, adding that the university will assess conditions and revisit the policy after the Fall 2021 semester begins. Read the message President Schlissel shared with the U-M community on Aug. 9.

Exceptions to this policy include instances when an individual is alone in a single enclosed private office with the door closed; actively eating or drinking; or has secured a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with other limited exclusions.

“Extensive Research shows that transmission of COVID-19 is greatly reduced and lives are saved when all individuals wear face coverings while in public,” said Chancellor Domenico Grasso. “We want to welcome you back to campus for a safe fall semester.”

The face covering policy is separate from the announcement on July 30 that students, faculty and staff on all three U-M campuses and Michigan Medicine need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 30. 

To help answer general questions about vaccinations, U-M is offering an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to talk with health advisers. 

Students who have questions about the vaccine are invited to sign up for a Zoom discussion with a clinician or nurse using the University Health Service website. Sessions are available on weekdays, 8-10 a.m.  Faculty and staff can speak with an adviser via phone weekdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., by calling 734-764-8021 and selecting prompt No. 2.