UMB Policy Requiring Use of Face Coverings

Updated February 09, 2023

(Para leer esta política en español, haga clic aquí Politica de la UMB sobre el uso obligatorio de mascarilla para COVID-19)

SCOPE: This policy applies to students, faculty and staff, campus visitors, volunteers, clients and patients, and campus contractors and their employees. Students, faculty, and staff must follow respiratory protection requirements as part of the personal protective equipment requirements for their position or educational activity. This policy does not apply to patients who are subject to other policies related masking.   

The policy applies to the UMB campus to include property owned, leased, or operated by UMB and buses or shuttles operated by UMB.  Students, faculty, and staff must follow the masking requirements for off-site campus locations such as Shady Grove, Columbus Center, etc.

POLICY: Regardless of vaccination status, masks are only required for people 2 years or older in the following locations:

• Patient care and clinical areas to include patient waiting areas
• In-person healthcare simulation labs — face shields/eye protection are not required in health care simulation labs for protection against COVID-19. However, face shields/eye protection may be required to simulate real-world conditions or for other educational purposes. Each school dean or designee will determine what is appropriate for their particular school and programs within that school.

Schools, units, supervisors, and/or faculty cannot mandate masking for COVID-19 in locations not covered under this policy. 

Upon request from a school or on her own initiative, the UMB Public Health Officer (or designee) may impose a temporary masking requirement or other recommendations in consultation with school leaders based on outbreaks or other identified risks. Such approval may be granted for a maximum of 30 days and can be renewed upon subsequent request and approval from the Officer (or designee). Any action of the Officer under this section will be communicated to the impacted individuals.

PERMITTED MASKS:

• Medical-grade, KN95 or N95 where masking is required. Cloth masks, bandanas, gaiters, scarves, and masks with valves are not permitted at UMB.

When a mask is required, it must be worn in a manner that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth.

UMB continues to support students, faculty, and staff that choose to voluntarily wear a mask on campus.

UMB strongly encourages unvaccinated people or people who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccine to (1) get their primary vaccine series and recommended booster vaccine and (2) to wear a KN95 or equivalent mask when interacting with people indoors until they are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccine.

NON-COMPLIANCE: Persons who do not comply with this Policy may be asked to leave the campus. Employees and students who are non-compliant will receive warnings, reprimands, or other appropriate discipline. Supervisors and academic administrators are responsible for monitoring compliance, encouraging responsible use of face coverings, and administering disciplinary sanctions. Reports of uncooperative individuals can be directed to Environmental Health and Safety via this form.

UMB recognizes that some persons may not be able to safely wear a face covering. Reasonable accommodations may be available for individuals with a disability. Individuals seeking an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact:

Students: Educational Support and Disability Services

disabilityservices@umaryland.edu

Faculty and staff: Human Resource Services

HRELR@umaryland.edu

Any person given an accommodation will receive a written notice of the details of the accommodation (e.g., face shield or other alternative safety measures) that should be carried when on campus without wearing a face covering. Neither the ADA nor Maryland law provides a blanket exemption to allow people with disabilities to avoid complying with legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operations.

FAQ

What is the difference between surgical/medical masks and KN95 or N95s?

Students, faculty, and staff may wear medical-grade masks or KN95s or N95s in areas where universal masking is required. All these masks reduce the spread of the virus from the person wearing a mask. However, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study (2022) found that consistently wearing a N95 or KN95 mask in indoor public settings reduced the odds of getting COVID-19 by 83 percent. The study included settings where the person interacted with others who were NOT wearing a mask. The study found that medical-grade (surgical) masks also reduce the odds of getting COVID-19, but at a lower level (66 percent).

Therefore, a person should consider their personal health and circumstances along with the different protection levels each mask offers when selecting whether to wear surgical/medical masks or KN95s or N95s where universal masking is required.

COVID-19 Isolation/Quarantine Protocols

Updated October 07, 2022

In the event of COVID-19 illness or exposure, report your case and check quarantine guidance here.

Read more at https://www.umaryland.edu/coronavirus/protocols/.

UMB COVID-19 Vaccination Protocols

Updated August 01, 2022

COVID-19 Vaccination Protocol: UMB Students

1. EXPECTATION: All on-campus University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) students [1] are required to be “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19 prior to engaging in any in-person activities. Students will be considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after receiving a one-dose vaccine.

2. EXEMPTIONS: A student may be exempted from the Vaccination Protocol if: 1) the student submits documentation from the student’s health care provider indicating that the student is medically unable to be vaccinated; or 2) the student has a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance that does not allow for the student to be vaccinated. Students receiving an exemption from the Vaccination Protocol will be required to follow safety requirements for nonvaccinated individuals as set forth by University Health and consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Failure to follow safety requirements set forth for nonvaccinated individuals (medical, religious, or otherwise) will subject a student to disciplinary action.

With respect specifically to religious exemptions, a religious exemption request must be written and signed by the student on a form supplied by UMB and must state that the student objects to immunization due to a “sincerely held religious belief.” The statement must address the following:

• The student must explain in their own words why they are requesting this religious exemption; and
• The student must indicate whether they are opposed to all immunizations, and if not, the religious belief that prohibits COVID-19 immunizations.

Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to immunization do not justify an exemption. Students may be required to provide additional information regarding their exemption eligibility if requested by UMB.

3. EXEMPTION PROCESS: UMB has a Vaccine Exemption Process by which students may submit requests electronically through a secure, online portal.

4. PROOF OF VACCINATION: Students have the option to either: 1) sign a waiver so that UMB receives confirmation of vaccination directly from the Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP), which is the repository of vaccination information for the state of Maryland, for vaccinations received in Maryland; or 2) upload a copy of their CDC-approved vaccine card. Proof of being fully vaccinated must be provided 14 days prior to the first day of classes.

5. CONSEQUENCES: The consequences for a student not being vaccinated without having an approved medical/religious exemption are as follows:

a. No student is permitted to come onto UMB’s campus unless they are fully vaccinated or have received an approved exemption. Noncompliant students should talk to their Student Affairs Dean or Admissions Department about a leave of absence or enrollment options if the student fails to meet these requirements. (NOTE: Students will not be provided an online curriculum where one is not already offered.)

 • Consistent with other immunization requirements, failure to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination will result in a registration hold being placed on the student’s account.

b. Any student who has not provided proof of vaccination by the deadline in Paragraph 4 will be contacted by their Student Affairs Dean.

• The Student Affairs Dean will consider whether special circumstances exist that prevented the student from receiving the vaccine or filing an exemption by the timeline set forth above (e.g., insufficient time between the date of admission and the start date of classes; lack of access to vaccine; international students whose travel to the United States was delayed).

• Failing to file a timely application for a medical or religious exemption, on its own, is not a specific circumstance warranting particular review.

• Where extraordinary circumstances exist, as determined by the relevant Student Affairs Dean in consultation with the relevant Dean and the Provost’s Office, the student will be granted an extension of time to become vaccinated or receive an approved medical/religious exemption.

c. Students who are not yet fully vaccinated are required to follow safety requirements for nonvaccinated individuals as set forth by University Health (consistent with CDC and OSHA guidelines). Failure to follow safety requirements set forth for nonvaccinated individuals will subject a student to disciplinary action.

[1] An on-campus student includes any student whose courses or student-related activities are performed in whole or in part on the UMB campus, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Donaldson Brown Riverfront Event Center, Columbus Center, UM BioPark, and other Maryland satellite offices. This also includes UMB students who attend the Universities at Shady Grove. Students engaged in clinical or field site activities should note that external sites may have stricter vaccine rules than UMB. Being unvaccinated may impact the ability of a student to participate in activities at those external sites. Failure to complete the clinical or experiential portion of a student’s education requirements will impact their ability to graduate.

COVID-19 Vaccination Protocol: UMB Faculty and Staff

1. VACCINE MANDATE: All University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) employees are strongly encouraged to follow all CDC recommendations related COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses. Employees are eligible to use accrued leave for the purpose of receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses. 

Employees whose job duties require them to work in clinical settings or at clinical or field sites continue to be subject to the vaccine requirements of those sites. Schools are responsible for communicating and enforcing any COVID-19 vaccine requirements that relate to a UMB employee’s specific job duties.

2. EXEMPTIONS: Any employee who is required to submit proof of vaccination may be exempted from the Vaccination Protocol if:

1) the employee submits documentation from the employee’s health care provider indicating that the employee is medically unable to be vaccinated or

2) the employee has a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance that does not allow for the employee to be vaccinated. Employees whose job duties require engagement in clinical or field site activities should note that external sites may have stricter vaccine rules than UMB. Being unvaccinated may impact the ability of a employee to fulfill their job duties.

With respect specifically to religious exemptions, a religious exemption request must be written and signed by the employee on a form supplied by UMB and must state that the employee objects to immunization due to a “sincerely held religious belief.” The statement must address the following:

• The employee must explain in their own words why they are requesting this religious exemption; and
• The employee must indicate whether they are opposed to all immunizations, and if not, the religious belief that prohibits COVID-19 immunizations.

Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to immunization do not justify an exemption. Employees may be required to provide additional information regarding their exemption eligibility if requested by UMB.

3. EXEMPTION PROCESS: For employees needing Exemptions, UMB has a Vaccine Exemption Process by which employees may submit requests electronically through a secure and confidential online portal. Human Resource Services (HRS) will assist employees who are not able to use the electronic process.

4. PROOF OF VACCINATION: Any employee who is required to submit proof of vaccination has the option to either: 1) sign a waiver so that UMB receives confirmation of vaccination directly from the Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP), which is the repository of vaccination information for the state of Maryland, for individuals vaccinated in Maryland; or 2) upload a copy of their CDC-approved vaccine card. HRS will assist any employees who request assistance to upload the vaccine card. Proof of vaccination will be kept separate from employee personnel files and shared only with individuals with a legitimate need-to-know and permitted by law.

COVID-19 Report Form

Posted January 07, 2022

The COVID-19 Report Form is a UMB COVID-19 Hotline alternative to report a positive test and receive guidance on care, isolation and return-to-work/school protocol. If you have not already reported via the hotline or employee health, please use this form to report: • A new positive COVID-19 test in yourself. • Symptoms that may be due to COVID-19, including new scratchy throat. • Close contact with someone with COVID-19. This is also called a high-risk exposure.

Read more at https://safe.umaryland.edu/surveys/?s=TEPTH3PTX4.

UMB Policy on Telework

Posted July 07, 2021

Revised and approved May 28, 2021 to become effective Aug. 15, 2021.

Read more at https://www.umaryland.edu/policies-and-procedures/library/human-resources/policies/vii-611a.php.