Spring 2022 UMB COVID-19 FAQs

March 3, 2022 (updated May 31, 2022)

On March 2, 2022, UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, announced changes to the University’s mask policy. The updated policy can be accessed at this link. We have developed the following answers to questions you might have regarding how the policy impacts you. We also encourage you to read the full policy.

Where are masks required on the UMB campus?

• Patient care and clinical areas including patient waiting areas and lobbies
• In-person health care simulation labs (though face shield/eye protection is no longer required in health care simulation labs)
• UMB public transportation (UMB shuttle or Safe Ride)

Who is required to wear a mask in these locations?

Everyone over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status

What masks are permitted in these locations?

Medical-grade or KN95 or equivalent masks

Can I still wear a mask?

Yes. As noted in President Jarrell’s announcement, anyone who is more comfortable wearing a mask is absolutely welcome to do so, and UMB supports your individual decision to wear or not wear a mask. UMB will not tolerate any harassment or intimidation when it comes to an individual’s choice about masks. A recent CDC study showed that wearing an N95 or KN95 provides an excellent level of protection even if people around you are unmasked. Additional information on protecting yourself from COVID-19 can be found in this post on The Elm website.

Does this policy affect personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for my job or educational assignment?

No. Requirements to wear PPE such as eye protection, gloves, or hearing or respiratory protection as part of your job or educational assignment are not affected by this policy.

Can a faculty member or supervisor mandate masks in my classroom or work area?

No. Schools, units, supervisors, and/or faculty cannot mandate wearing masks for COVID-19 in locations not covered under this policy.

Are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people required to wear a mask in areas not covered by this policy?

No. However, UMB strongly encourages unvaccinated people or people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine to get their primary vaccine series and recommended booster vaccine, and to wear a KN95 or equivalent mask when interacting with people indoors until they are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccination.

The UMB Vaccination Protocols are still in effect.

Additional questions you might have related to UMB’s mask policy changes

Am I allowed to come to work if I have COVID-19 symptoms or am sick?

No.

Do I still need to report if I have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19?

Yes. Please do that through the COVID-19 report form. When you submit the form, the system will send you an email with guidance based on current protocols for actions to take if you have symptoms, a positive test, or an exposure. The guidance available at this link outlines the advice, based on your role and situation.

How long will I need to self-quarantine if a person close to me tests positive for COVID-19?        

The recommendations for quarantine in the event of an exposure depend on many factors, including whether the person who tested positive was wearing a mask, whether you were wearing a mask — and if so, what kind — and your level of immunity to COVID-19. If you were wearing a KN95 mask, for example, you would not need to quarantine at all. And if you completed your COVID-19 vaccine series and got a booster within the last six months or had COVID-19 within the last 90 days, you would not need to quarantine at all, even if both you and the person with COVID-19 were not wearing a mask. The COVID-19 report form will provide guidance based on the information you provide when you report your exposure.

Should I throw out my KN95 mask?

No. It is possible that new COVID-19 variants will emerge that will require that we temporarily return to wearing masks. UMB public health experts continue to monitor conditions for such threats.

If your KN95 or equivalent masks are still in their original packaging material, store them in a safe location that is not subject to significant temperature or humidity changes. If your mask is not in its original packaging but still in good condition, you can air dry it and store in a zip-lock bag.

Questions on food and events

Can food and beverages be consumed at events?

Yes.

Does a dean or vice president need to approve events?

No. However, you still must follow your school’s or unit’s procedures for hosting events.