Indoor mask use extended through Dec. 23

Students — all of whom are wearing masks — listen to instructions in the newly renovated organic chemistry labs in Hamilton Hall on Aug. 23, the first day of classes in the fall 2021 semester. Following an order from public health officials, the university community will start wearing masks when indoors on Aug. 25.

Craig Chandler | University Communication

Following an extension of an order from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln community will continue to wear masks when indoors.

The policy will remain in effect for the duration of the county’s directed health measures. It was set to expire Nov. 24, but local COVID-19 trends in hospitalizations, positivity rate and other factors resulted in an extension through Dec. 23. The extension was announced by local health officials on Nov. 23.

The facial mask requirement will be implemented as it has been previously followed on campus.

All faculty, staff, students and visitors (including contractors, service providers and others) are required to use a facial covering at all times when indoors on university campuses, with the following exceptions:

In office settings when 6 feet of separation from others can be maintained at all times.
When seated to eat or drink, or while immediately consuming food or beverages.
When alone in a room or not in the same workspace of any other individual.
When giving a speech, lecture or broadcast to an audience so long as 6 feet of distancing from other individuals is maintained and only while said speech, lecture or broadcast is being delivered.
When an alternative is necessary as indicated by a medical professional during patient care.
When actively participating in a supervised group exercise class, showering, using the swimming pool or using a piece of cardio equipment in a campus recreation facility.
When exercising and not at rest.
When in one’s assigned apartment or residence hall room.
When the task requires the use of a NIOSH-approved respirator.
When pertaining to children under the age of 2 years.
Cannot wear a face covering because of a medical condition, mental health condition or disability that prevents the wearing of a face covering. Students with questions should contact Services for Students with Disabilities for more information.