FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – With the spring semester set to begin on Jan. 18, the campus community should be aware of updated masking guidance requiring masks to be worn indoors regardless of whether 6-feet of social distancing can be maintained. The new guidelines are effective immediately. 

Masks are now required indoors with the following limited exceptions still in place: 

• A mask may be removed in a private office or private room. 
• In residence halls, masks may be removed in private rooms as well as in community bathrooms for accomplishing tasks such as brushing teeth or showering. 
• Masks may be removed while dining but should be worn before eating and replaced as soon as possible after eating. 
• Masks may be removed during sanctioned activities including Razorback Athletics workouts, practices and events unless otherwise required by the University’s athletic conference or governing body.

The change is being made to help protect the health and well-being of our community as the number of COVID-19 cases rise in our area and across the state. 

Wearing masks (and social distancing) also continues to be required in healthcare facilities and while using public transportation including:

• Razorback Transit
  • All those on Razorback Transit buses or in the Union Station are required to wear masks.
• Pat Walker Health Center
• Speech and Hearing Clinic

Visit the CDC’s online resource for additional guidance regarding masks and some tips on how to Improve How Your Mask Protects You.

KN95 MASKS COMING SOON

The university has ordered a number of KN95 masks that are scheduled to be delivered as early as the week of Jan. 17. Additional details will be announced to campus soon about requesting these masks and other PPE through central supply, and regarding any potential limits on the number of KN95 masks that can be requested.

The university's COVID-19 Response site continues to be updated during the pandemic with the latest news and information for the campus community. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.