Campus mask requirements
Indoors: Indoor masking is no longer required — but is strongly recommended — for students, faculty, staff and others who are up to date on their vaccinations (including boosters).
Those who are not up to date on vaccinations — including those who have received exceptions to the UC vaccination policy — are still required to wear well-fitting masks in all indoor spaces on campus, including (but not limited to) classrooms, offices, workspaces, teaching labs, libraries, common areas, restaurants and dining halls (except when actively eating or drinking), pre-K–12 facilities, and indoor recreation spaces.
Indoor masking remains a requirement for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in certain spaces identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, including health care settings and public transit.
Outdoors: Outdoor masking is optional for all, regardless of vaccination status, but UCLA strongly recommends that individuals wear well-fitting masks when in crowded outdoor settings.
Acceptable types of masks
Well-fitting masks for use by students and employees on campus include:
- Medical-grade surgical masks
- KN95s
- N95s or other respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Unacceptable face coverings include: cloth masks, scarves, balaclavas, ski masks, single-layer fabric masks, neck gaiters, bandanas, turtleneck collars and most masks with external valves or vents.
Masks for visitors: Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear well-fitting masks on campus or at other UCLA properties and must follow masking protocols outlined by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Obtaining masks
Respirators and medical-grade surgical masks are designed for one-time use and should be thrown away once they become wet or dirty or after they no longer fit well (1–3 days, depending on the mask).
Respirators and medical-grade surgical masks are available free of charge to all members of the UCLA community and can be requested from the UCLA Emergency PPE Supply Store.
For those exempt from wearing masks
Employees who are exempt from wearing face masks due to a medical condition, a mental health condition or a disability will need to wear an effective, non-restrictive alternative such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom — if their condition or disability permits.
Further details
UCLA’s protocols on masking are aligned with guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the state of California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).
For more details on masking, please refer to the LACDPH’s face mask guidance, Cal/OSHA’s emergency temporary standards and the CDC’s face mask page.
For more on UCLA’s masking policies, see Summary of COVID-19 Public Health Mitigation Requirements (PDF).
