UCLA protocols on face masks 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), including the LACDPH’s orders on mask wearing (PDF).
Face masks: Indoors
In response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and in alignment with the LACDPH’s health officer order (PDF), all individuals — whether fully vaccinated or not — are required to wear face masks in all indoor spaces on the UCLA campus, including classrooms, teaching labs, libraries, pre-K–12 facilities and indoor recreation spaces, as well as when using BruinBus, BruinAccess and UCLA SafeRide services.
Masking is also required in all indoor workspaces, including offices, except when one is alone in an office with the door closed.
Face masks are recommended while in personal indoor living spaces if people are in the presence of individuals from outside their immediate household.
Face masks: Outdoors
Face masks are no longer required to be worn outdoors, with certain exceptions associated with new COVID-19 cases and outbreaks on campus. However, in light of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, UCLA is recommending that individuals, especially those who are unvaccinated, wear a mask when outside in large groups in which physical distancing is not feasible.
Face masks: UCLA Health facilities
Face masks are currently required for UCLA Health staff.
Face masks: UCLA Recreation facilities
Face masks will continue to be required at all indoor UCLA Recreation facilities until further notice.
Acceptable types of face masks
Face masks must be worn over the nose and mouth. A cloth or disposable mask is acceptable in most situations. However, greater protection may be required under narrow circumstances, including in higher-risk health and patient care environments. For details, please refer to the the LACDPH’s face mask guidance and Cal/OSHA’s emergency temporary standards. Further information on face masks is available on the CDC’s face mask page.
Examples of acceptable face masks:
- Two-ply woven fabric masks or face coverings
- Surgical masks
- Non-woven KN95 masks
- N95 respirators
Examples of unacceptable face coverings:
- Scarves
- Balaclavas/ski masks
- Single-layer fabric masks and neck gaiters
- Bandanas
- Turtleneck collars
How vaccination status will affect masking requirements at UCLA
Unvaccinated employees must comply with additional non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as wearing face masks at all times when around others; they may voluntarily request to use N95 respirators. (Beginning two weeks prior to the start of the fall term, only unvaccinated employees with an approved vaccination exemption will be able to access UCLA locations.)
Unvaccinated employees who are exempted 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. (Please see the “Verifying your vaccination, requesting an exemption” section of this FAQ for details on exemptions.)
How employees can obtain masks
Face masks can be obtained from the UCLA Emergency PPE Supply Store. For on-site employees who are unable to obtain their own masks, UCLA will provide them free of charge. Voluntary-use respirators will also be provided to exempted unvaccinated employees upon request.
How students can obtain masks
While students are generally expected to provide their own face masks, disposable masks will be available at the Wooden Center for those students who are unable to obtain a mask or who have forgotten to bring one to campus.
