The Maine Community College System has implemented a variety of precautionary measures aimed at reducing the risk of transmission on campus of the virus that causes COVID-19. One significant precautionary measure advocated by public health officials and adopted by MCCS is the requirement to wear a disposable or cloth face covering. The following protocols govern the wearing of face coverings on Maine Community College System property.

I. Where a Face Covering is Required
A face covering is required to be worn over the nose, mouth and chin indoors in all public and shared spaces, and outdoors on MCCS grounds, including parking lots, sidewalks, walkways, roads, playgrounds, athletic fields and lawns. Until further notice, exceptions to the face covering requirement are:

1. When alone in an office with a door or a bedroom in campus housing;
2. When eating or drinking in a space where eating and drinking is permitted and only for the duration necessary to consume the food and/or beverage. Physical distancing (a minimum of 6 feet) is required during this activity; and
3. Children under 5 in a daycare setting and all other children under 2 years of age.

Physical distancing is not a substitute for wearing a face covering in locations where a face covering is required.
Any person not wearing a face covering, or an acceptable face covering, where required will be asked to put one on or leave the location where a face covering is required.

II. Type of Face Covering Required
A face covering must be a disposable or cloth mask made of multiple layers of tightly woven fabric that fits snugly around the face, covers the nose, mouth and chin and secures with ear loops or ties behind the head.ÿ Homemade and commercially manufactured masks that meet this definition are acceptable forms of face coverings.

Examples of face coverings that are not acceptable include:

1. Bandanas;
2. Neck gaiters; and
3. Masks with a valve or vent

III. Requests for Accommodations
Persons with a documented disability who have been determined by a medical professional to be unable to wear a disposable or cloth face covering should contact [the college?s Office of Student Disability /Accessibility Services or ADA officer] prior to coming to campus to determine whether a reasonable accommodation is available.

IV. Off Campus
All members of the campus community are expected to wear a disposable or cloth face covering in public settings off campus as required by Maine law, and to follow other recommendations of public health officials. Because we truly are in this together, taking these steps will help to minimize the risk of transmission on campus and benefit all students, employees and their families.

Revised 11/06/20