Masks

Mask Etiquette

Face mask requirements

Ohio State continues to respond to changes in public health guidance. Due to decreasing COVID-19 and influenza-related illnesses and increasing immunity, new guidance on face masks went into effect on April 14, 2023 and is outlined below.

  • Masks are optional in most settings on all Ohio State campuses, including general-purpose buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, offices, the Ohio Union, childcare centers, on public transportation, and for asymptomatic patients and visitors at the Wexner Medical Center and the Wilce Student Health Center. Masks are also optional outdoors.
  • Masks are required for care providers at the Wexner Medical Center when providing direct clinical care to inpatients and at some outpatient locations. People experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days should also wear a mask.

Public events, such as those that take place at the Schottenstein Center and the Covelli Center, are mask optional.

Please note: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends masking in public indoor spaces for communities with “high” levels of COVID-19. Use the CDC’s COVID-19 County Check tool  to see your community’s current level.

For those wearing masks, guidance on the best type and fit continues to evolve. University community members are encouraged to regularly check the CDC guidance on masks and other health and safety measures.

The university continues to distribute masks at various locations on campus.

Face masks available around campus

Photo of a surgical/procedural maskFree face masks are available for students, faculty and staff at a variety of campus locations including: all residence halls, all recreation facilities, most university libraries and the Ohio Union information desk. Masks can be picked up during business hours and details about locations are below. Masks are also available at primary entrances of academic, administrative and research facilities on the Columbus campus.

Effective June 5, masks will no longer be provided on CABS buses. Wexner Medical Center staff who provide direct clinical care to inpatients and at some outpatient locations may obtain masks at any Wexner Medical Center building entrance.

University Libraries

Masks are available at circulation desks in the university libraries listed below. Hours can be found on the University Libraries website.

Recreation Centers

Masks are available at entrances of all recreation facilities.

Ohio Union

Masks are available at the Ohio Union Information Desk.

Single-Use Mask Disposal

Please dispose of single-use masks in the trash, not on the ground. While disposable masks protect us from disease, they also can harm the environment when not properly discarded. You can help by properly disposing of your soiled, torn or saturated masks. More information is available on the Environmental Health and Safety website. 

Please reference this website for the most up-to-date guidelines. The university’s COVID-19 Transition Task Force’s Safe Campus and Scientific Advisory Subgroup will continue monitoring changing conditions and consult with local and state health authorities. Recommendations and requirements will be refined as needed.