Community Safety Practices

The health and safety of everyone who comes to Rutgers is a shared responsibility. Following these community safety practices will help protect you and others.

Face Coverings/Masks

Effective October 1, 2022:  Face coverings will no longer be required in most indoor spaces. Where masks are optional, we encourage all individuals who prefer to wear them to do so, and we fully respect that personal decision. Further, as the pandemic remains fluid, the university is prepared to revisit this change in protocol should future public health conditions warrant.

Effective May 10, 2023: As COVID-19 cases continue to decline, Rutgers Health is updating its masking guidelines for clinical settings. Wearing a face covering is no longer broadly required of all faculty, staff, students, and visitors in all clinical settings. Instead, masking requirements will be determined by the clinical site, and masking may still be required for certain units, for example, at units responsible for the care of vulnerable patients at the determination of each site. Further, patients exhibiting respiratory symptoms will be requested to wear a mask if tolerated, and should a patient request their caregivers wear a mask, staff, and providers are expected to comply.

Frequent Handwashing

Clean your hands after being in a public place, blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching your face.

• Lather your hands with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds
• If soap and water are not readily available, cover all surfaces of your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub them together until they feel dry
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth at all times

On-Campus Protocols and Safety Tips

As our health protocols continue to evolve, using common sense and doing your part in our shared responsibilities continues to be essential. This includes staying home while sick, whether for COVID-19 or not.