Required COVID-19 Face Mask Protocols

Update March 18, 2022: Effective March 21, 2022, face masks will be optional at any performance hosted by Purdue Convocations or the Student Concert Committee, regardless of location.

On May 26, 2020, the university implemented required protocols including the required correct use of face masks to help protect the most vulnerable members of the Purdue community. These protocols have been routinely re-evaluated and updated according to the latest guidance from Purdue’s Medical Advisory Team and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Indiana Department of Health and other scientific organizations. 

When and where face masks are required

Outdoors

Face masks are not required outdoors on campus. 

Indoors

Face masks are optional indoors on the West Lafayette campus, with the exception of health care settings and where contractually required. More information can be found here.

A face mask must be worn correctly:  

• In health care areas where there is close patient contact such as the campus COVID-19 testing center and vaccine clinic at the Co-Rec, the Center for Healthy Living, the Purdue University Student Health Center and the Purdue University Pharmacy.

Acceptable mask materials and design 

All Boilermakers should consider purchasing higher quality face masks (N95, KN95) for enhanced protection. Instructions on how to obtain a N95 or KN95 on campus can be found here.

You may also use a purchased or homemade cloth or disposable face mask.  A multi-ply tightly woven cotton cloth or multi-ply disposable face mask is recommended.  The face mask must not have an exhalation valve or introduce a hazard in the workplace. 

Instructions on how to properly care for and wash face masks can be found here.

Face masks should not be altered in any way that compromises the function of the mask to block aerosol or droplet emission. For example, cutting holes in the mask to increase breathability or to allow for drinking is not allowed. 

Single layer neck gaiters or neck fleeces made of synthetic fabrics (for example, polyester/spandex blends) have been shown to be ineffective in stopping aerosol and droplet emissions and are not an approved substitute for face masks. Gaiters advertised as “breathable” are not suitable.

Neck gaiters or neck fleeces made of multiple layers of natural fibers such as cotton may be worn. Please pay close attention to the composition of the neck gaiter/fleece to ensure that it adheres to campus standards for face masks. Single layer gaiters can be folded to provide triple layer protection.

Information on how to make a face mask is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

How to wear a face mask correctly 

Guidance on how to correctly wear a mask is available from the CDC. 

Mask cleaning and care 

Instructions on how to wash a cloth face mask are available from the CDC.  

Face shields

Face shields alone cannot be used as substitute for face masks. Wearing both a face shield and a face mask simultaneously is encouraged (and may be required) in instructional spaces to add additional layers of protection. Full guidance on the use of face shields is available from Radiological and Environmental Management.