Some 亚洲AV students got an unexpected visit from the Patriot last week to remind them of the university鈥檚 mask policy.
The Patriot visited students in common areas of Horizon, Innovation, Planetary and Enterprise halls on the Fairfax Campus, offering masks to those who were without and giving Mason swag as a 鈥渢hank you鈥 to those who聽were in compliance with聽the mask policy.听聽
Mason Nation is being asked help reduce the spread of the coronavirus by wearing masks indoors, unless actively eating or drinking, and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. Unvaccinated members of the community are expected to wear masks at all times while on campus.听
鈥淢asks continue to be a very effective way to control the spread of COVID, especially in indoor environments,鈥 said聽Julie Zobel,聽Mason鈥檚 associate vice president for safety, emergency, and enterprise risk management. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important for all members of the Mason community to wear a mask when indoors with very few exceptions.鈥澛
The use of masks is just one element in Mason鈥檚 efforts to slow the spread the virus. Others include mandatory vaccinations for all students, faculty聽and staff聽unless granted an exemption, testing,聽physical聽distancing and completing the聽聽each day.听Mason鈥檚 strategy is detailed in the聽.听
鈥淎lthough most of our campus community is vaccinated, masks coupled with vaccine help to prevent the spread of COVID,鈥 said聽David Farris,聽Mason鈥檚 executive director of safety and emergency management. 鈥淗owever, they only work if we are diligent about wearing masks whenever and wherever we are able to, on or off campus, particularly when we are around others鈥攚hether they are vaccinated or not.鈥澛
Farris also聽urged Mason Nation to consider their behavior while off campus, as that can also impact the spread of COVID among the Mason community.听
鈥淲e need everyone鈥檚 assistance to keep the Mason Nation safe, and this responsibility does not end at the borders of our campuses,鈥 he said.听
颁翱痴滨顿听聽are available at the Fenwick A Wing (formerly the MIX) on the Fairfax Campus.听聽
Zobel also noted that masks will provide additional help in keeping community members healthy as flu season is now upon us. Mason will offer flu shots at its Fairfax and SciTech Campuses in October by appointment; sign up links will be shared soon.