Face Coverings

Overview

The college is taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously and is following the recommendations of the CDC and the Florida Department of Health. Cloth face coverings (commonly referred to as face masks) are recommended by the CDC in public settings when there is a chance of interacting with others when social distancing (also known as physical distancing) cannot be easily and clearly maintained. The face covering acts to contain potentially infectious respiratory secretions at the source (i.e., the person’s nose and mouth). Cloth face coverings are recommended by the CDC to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings can reduce the release of infectious particles into the air when someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has COVID-19 but feels well. They are not a substitute for physical distancing, washing your hands, and staying home when you are ill, but they are helpful when combined with these measures.

All students and employees should contribute to a supportive but direct culture on campus that supports wearing face coverings. Members of the community should remind each other about face coverings and distancing as part of our mutual commitment to public health, and to attempt to resolve non-compliance frankly, professionally, and quickly.

When are Face Coverings Required

  • Face coverings must be worn by all faculty, staff, contract workers (including TempForce talent), vendors, students and visitors while on any SF campus or center, both inside and outside, except in cases where it is certain that social or physical distancing of 6 feet can be maintained. This includes but is not limited to office and common areas, sidewalks, concourses and even parking lots.
  • Face coverings are not required in individual office or work spaces when those locations are not shared or accessed by others. However, when more than one person is inside an office, face coverings are recommended to be worn even if the parties technically can maintain social distancing.
  • Face coverings are recommended but not required in large shared office spaces and other front-line locations where protective barriers have been placed and 6ft of separation can clearly be maintained at all times.
  • Face coverings are required in classrooms and labs unless alternative protective measures or equipment is being utilized.
  • Face coverings are required in elevators and stairwells.
  • Face coverings are required when riding in vehicles with others for college business.

Acceptable Types of Face Coverings

  • A cloth face covering consists of fabric that covers the nose and mouth and does not have an exhalation valve.
  • Individuals are welcome to wear their own face covering but are asked to make sure that it fits snugly, covers the nose and mouth at all times, has multiple layers, and has no exhalation valves.
  • The college will be providing one reusable SF logo cloth face covering to all college employees. Each division of the college will distribute these as part of the phased return to campus.
  • Certain college departments or instructional programs with specific operational or pedagogical needs may have additional or alternative face covering options approved by the Provost or appropriate divisional Vice President of that area.
  • For students or employees with disabilities, the process for ADA accommodations will be followed.

Correct Way to Wear Face Coverings

  • Wash your hands before putting on your face covering.
  • Place over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
  • Make sure you can breathe easily.
  • Wash your hands before and after touching and adjusting the cloth face covering.
  • Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their cloth face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

Care of Face Coverings

  • Wash your cloth face covering frequently, ideally after each use, or at least daily.
  • Cloth face coverings should be washed with detergent and hot water.
  • Have a bag or bin to keep cloth face coverings in until they can be laundered.
  • Discard cloth face coverings that: no longer cover the nose and mouth; have stretched out or damaged ties or straps; cannot stay on your face; or those which have holes or tears in the fabric.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

  • Students without a face covering will be directed to comply and provided an opportunity to obtain a face covering on site (Student Affairs offices, Educational Centers, Learning Commons, SFPD). Students unwilling to wear a face covering as directed will be instructed to leave immediately. Failure to comply will subject the student to disciplinary action as a violation of the Student Conduct Code.
  • Employees without a face covering will be directed to comply. If an employee does not wear an appropriate face covering in their work location, does not follow physical distancing requirements, or otherwise does not comply with requirements for working safely, their supervisor will direct the person to leave the work location immediately and contact Human Resources. Employees of the college who fail to comply with this policy are subject to disciplinary action. The college maintains a limited number of cloth face coverings for faculty, staff, and other workers at the college that can be picked up at the SFPD. Supplies are limited.
  • Other workers and visitors who refuse to comply may be denied service and will be instructed to leave college property immediately.

Unable to Wear a Face Covering

  • Questions or concerns by employees about wearing face coverings should be directed to Human Resources by phone 352-395-5185 or email human.resources@sfcollege.edu).
  • Questions or concerns by students about wearing face coverings should be directed to the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs by phone 352-395-5648 or email student.affairs@sfcollege.edu).

Reporting Concerns About Face Coverings

  • Student non-compliance could result in sanctions leading up to suspension. Student non-compliance with this policy should be reported using the Student Conduct Report Form available at the Student Conduct website.
  • Concerns regarding employee compliance with this policy not resolved through the supervisor should be directed to the Human Resources Office at 352-395-5185 or by email to human.resources@sfcollege.edu.
  • Concerns regarding vendor or visitor compliance with this policy should be directed to the Santa Fe College Police Department at 352-395-5519 in Building T on the NW campus.
  • You may also share concerns with your division Vice President.

Further information about face coverings can be found in COVID-19 FAQs.

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