Face coverings

Last updated: January 9, 2023

Beginning January 9, 2023, our mask requirement is suspended. Though the trends right now allow us to remove the requirement for everyone to wear a mask, we encourage you to continue to wear a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask if you feel it is the right choice for you, in any setting (and especially in large gatherings).

Source Control

Face coverings used for source control are used to prevent or limit the ability of the source of a contaminant from releasing it. In the case of masking, source control considers the source of the contaminant the user, with the mask being used to limit the risk of the wearer exposing others to an illness or infection. Where physical distancing cannot be maintained, it is even more important that everyone wear masks, as source control works best when everyone uses it. Examples include cloth or non-medical masks.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Face covering used as protection protect the wearer from a contaminant. Masks used as PPE are particular kinds of masks (such as medical/surgical masks) that will protect the user from a contaminant. The need for PPE is determined by completing a risk assessment which considers: 

1. who is involved
2. what processes are taking place 
3. how long individuals are together 
4. the size of the workspace; and
5. the proximity that can be maintained between individuals