This message was sent on behalf of URI Health Services and the Office of Emergency Management.

The University wants to help campus community members remain healthy and safe, and so it is providing the following guidance on face coverings:

In accordance with Rhode Island Executive Order 20-24* issued April 18, the University expects employees to wear face coverings at all times while working on campus unless doing so would damage their health. If an employee needs a face covering while at work, they should contact their supervisor and a face covering will be provided at no cost. The University has a supply of face coverings and masks, and many community members have been sewing face coverings to support our employees.

Please note the following general guidance regarding use of face coverings, surgical masks, and N95 respirators:

• A cloth face covering is typically a reusable item made from cloth fabric. It serves to protect others from exposure to illnesses the wearer may be carrying. Think of it this way– “I wear a face covering to protect others, and others wear a face covering to protect me.” A reusable cloth face covering is the appropriate protection for most employees and should be laundered in a washing machine daily after use.
• A disposable surgical mask is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for health care environments. It is fluid-resistant and provides the wearer with some protection against large droplets, splashes or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids. Like a face covering, a surgical mask also protects others from the wearer’s respiratory emissions. Surgical masks are loose fitting and not fit-tested. Surgical masks should be reserved for health care workers and emergency responders, but may be used by other individuals as a temporary measure when cloth face coverings are not available.
• An N95 respirator is a device evaluated, tested and approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to reduce the wearer’s exposure to particles, including small particle aerosols and large droplets and hence are the respiratory protection of choice for units dealing with COVID-19 patients. An N95 respirator is tight fitting and fit-tested. N95 respirators are not appropriate or necessary for most employees and should be reserved for health care workers and emergency responders in contact with individuals who are ill, and are also needed by facilities maintenance personnel while performing specific tasks that generate fine dust.

*According to Rhode Island Executive Order 20-24 issued April 18, “all employees must wear cloth face coverings unless an employee can easily, continuously, and measurably maintain at least six (6) feet of distance from other employees for the duration of his or her work (e.g., solo office) or unless doing so would damage the employee’s health.” All such employees must wear face coverings in any entry, exit and common areas including, but not limited to: check-in, registration, reception, hallways, bathrooms, break rooms, time clock areas, elevators, stairways, etc.”

We ask all students who are in residence on campus to also wear a face covering when out on campus. Face coverings are available at no cost by contacting your hall director, your employer if you are a student employee, or Health Services.

CDC COVID-19 symptoms update

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its information regarding COVID-19 and has expanded its list of symptoms as follows:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

If you have any of these symptoms and think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, call your health care provider immediately. If you are sick, please do not come to the University. Please stay home, self-isolate and notify your supervisor. URI students with concerns should call Health Services at 401.874.2246.

The CDC says you should seek medical attention immediately if you have any of these emergency warning signs*:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or that concern you. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.