(WXYZ) — The University of Michigan will require all students, staff, faculty and visitors to wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose while on campus grounds, effective immediately.
The university made the announcement on Wednesday, updating its COVID-19 guidelines.
People must wear face coverings when inside buildings, outdoors and on U-M transportation on all campuses.
"It is difficult on a busy university campus to maintain distance from groups even while outdoors, so requiring face coverings outdoors will help slow the spread of the virus," the university said in a statement.
There are limited exceptions to the rule, including:
- Indoors in a single enclosed private office with the door closed or assigned residence hall room/suite or apartment
- Eating or drinking but still maintaining social distance
- Alone in a private motor vehicle or utility vehicle used for university business
- A child under the age of 2 years or someone who is unable to remove a face covering without assistance
- Required to wear assigned respiratory protection for job tasks
- Granted a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Engaged in physical activities or recreation in a distanced manner
- Involved in an activity where wearing a face covering may be infeasible or present a safety hazard
- Communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication
- Giving a speech for broadcast or an audience while maintaining physical distance of at least six feet from others
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
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