Face Mask Protocols

Mask Requirements

MCPHS is mask optional with a few exceptions.

Masks (KF94, KN95, N95) will still be required in:

• Clinical practicum assessments
• Healthcare facilities such as Forsyth Dental Hygiene Clinic; Eye and Vision Center; NESA Acupuncture Treatment Center; Balance, Movement, and Wellness Center; and Counseling Services
• Kennedy Building and Treehouse at MassArt in Boston – all common areas

Masks will be optional everywhere else on campus, including in instructional laboratory and classroom settings, meeting rooms, shared workspaces, residential halls (unless isolating or completing isolation/quarantine), dining halls and common areas of buildings.

As we are mask optional in MCPHS spaces, please keep the following in mind:

• MCPHS belongs to the Colleges of the Fenway (COF) consortium and shares many campus spaces with other COF institutions. When utilizing these shared spaces, you are required to follow the COVID-19 protocols for each respective institution, regardless of the lifted mask mandates in MCPHS-only spaces.
• Following CDC guidelines, everyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 must stay home and isolate from other people for 5 full days regardless of vaccination status. If cleared from isolation by the COVID-19 Team on day 6, you must wear a mask (KN95, KF94 or N95) mask at all times while around others until the completion of 10 full days.
• Exposed individuals who have not tested positive should seek guidance from the COVID-19 Team. Vaccination and symptom status factor into the guidance that the team provides.
• Non-MCPHS visitors who are not fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible, must wear a mask (KN95, KF94 or N95) while on campus.

We are a mask-friendly University. We encourage anyone who prefers to wear a mask at all times to continue doing so. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises that individuals should wear a mask or face covering when indoors if they have:

• a weakened immune system
• increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition
• if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease

While masks are no longer required in most University spaces, face masks remain an invaluable tool for public health and preventing transmission of disease. A high-quality mask worn correctly and consistently will significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission even if others around you are not masked.

The health and safety of our students and other community members remain our top priority. Our procedures on campus continue to be based on science and the most up-to-date guidance from public health experts as well as CDC, state, and local health authorities.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping our community safe. For further questions on our updated policies, please email COVID19team@mcphs.edu