Mason is now at Face-Covering Level Yellow, which means masks are optional at Mason, with a few exceptions. Let’s take a look at some of those exceptions, answering any lingering questions you might have about the recent changes.
Q: What does “Face-Covering Level Yellow” mean?
A: Mason uses a tiered, color-coded system to communicate face-covering (mask) requirements. Face-covering levels may change based on public health guidelines. Mason’s current Mask Level Yellow means that face-coverings are optional, with some exceptions.
Masks are still required in the following scenarios: all indoor classrooms, healthcare facilities, indoor environments offering programs for minors ages 2–5, Mason Shuttles/university-owned vehicles with multiple passengers, and students or employees who are instructed to wear a mask for 10 days after testing positive for COVID or being exposed to COVID. The mask requirements do not change based on vaccination status.
Q: Are masks still required in classrooms and labs? Does it depend on class size?
A: Masks are still required in all indoor university classrooms and labs, regardless of class size.
Q: Are masks still required on Mason Shuttles?
A: Yes, masks are still required in university-owned or operated mass or public-transit vehicles when others are present (for example, Mason Shuttles, vanpool vehicles, or university-owned vehicles with multiple passengers).
Q: What is the mask policy for performances at Center for the Arts and the Hylton Performing Arts Center?
A: Current face-covering, vaccination, and testing requirements remain in place at the Center for the Arts and the Hylton Center. The latest guidance is posted on the Center for the Arts and Hylton Center websites.
Q: Are masks required when attending an event at EagleBank Arena?
A: Patrons attending an event at EagleBank Arena are no longer required to wear a face-covering unless required by the artist or event organizer. Read more on the EagleBank Arena website.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask while attending other events at Mason?
A: No, masks are not universally required at Mason events, but event organizers may choose to require masks. All attendees must complete the Mason COVID Health Check and receive a “green light” status on the day of the event. Event organizers must perform a spot check of 20 percent of attendees to verify a green status during check-in. Event guidelines are available on the University Events website.