Purpose:
The purpose of the COVID-19: Use of Face Mask policy is to provide guidance for the required use of face masks by students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention have issued guidance recommending everyone use face masks. The use of a disposable or cloth face mask prevents the spread of droplets that could contain the COVID-19 virus and is not intended to provide respiratory protection as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The policy supports the recommendations from the Tennessee Department of Health, CDC, the State of Tennessee’s Best Practices for Higher Education, and OSHA 1910.134-Respiratory Protection standard to take measures to provide safe conditions for employees, students, and visitors of DSCC.
Scope:
The COVID-19: Use of Face Mask Policy applies to all faculty, staff, students and visitors at any DSCC location. This policy helps adhere to the recommended public health measures from the Tennessee Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Pervention. The COVID-19: Use of Face Mask policy also addresses the OSHA 1910.134-Respiratory Protection regulation.
Policy:
DSCC will provide a disposable or cloth face mask to any individual who does not have one of his/her own to wear while accessing any DSCC locations. The use of face masks is required even in instances where social distancing of at least 6 feet is possible, in accordance with CDC recommendations.
Compliance:
All faculty, staff, students, and visitors are expected to follow the COVID-19: Use of Face Mask Policy. A face mask is required in accordance with this policy; enforcement for non-compliance without a bona fide exception shall be as follows.
- Students will be required to sign the DSCC Public Health Expectations for COVID-19 Safety Form, which requires that students agree to wear a face mask. Signage will be posted throughout all building locations reinforcing the face mask requirement. Students who refuse to wear a face mask will be subject to disciplinary procedures as addressed in DSCC Policy 04:03:03:01.
- Supervisors shall address non-compliance directly with employees. Employees shall refrain from addressing non-compliance or perceived non-compliance with other employees and should instead report issues to their direct supervisor
- Members of the public shall first be offered a disposable face mask. If the individual refuses to use the face mask, they will be asked to leave and given options of how they can be served virtually.
Definitions:
COVID-19: A human disease condition caused by novel coronavirus. People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms ranging from no observable symptoms, mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has identified the following symptoms as possible indications of COVID-19:
• Fever above 100.4 or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
Face Mask: A protection covering the nose and mouth.
Revision History:
Policy written 06/12/20. Recommended by President’s Staff to Administrative Council on 06/16/20. Policy reviewed by Administrative Council on 06/26/20. Revised 07/29/20. Approved by Administrative Council via email on 7/30/2020.