Caltech Aligns Face Covering Requirements with CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

To: The Campus Community
From: Jennifer Howes, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Wellness
Date: May 3, 2021
Re: Caltech Aligns Face Covering Requirements with CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

Following last week's update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on federal guidance for the use of face coverings for fully vaccinated individuals, Los Angeles County has now officially revised its public health protocols to align with the CDC. The updated guidance advises that individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19—two weeks after having received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks after having received the single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine—no longer need to wear a face covering outdoors while walking, running, hiking, or biking alone, or when in small gatherings. The CDC emphasized that face coverings are still necessary in crowded outdoor venues because of the risk of virus transmission among individuals of unknown vaccination status. Face coverings continue to be necessary in indoor public settings and worksites, regardless of an individual's vaccination status.

In accord with this guidance, Caltech is updating its campus guidelines on the use of face coverings to align with the federal and local regulations.

• Fully vaccinated individuals are now allowed to remove their face coverings in open, outdoor campus settings.
• All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are required to continue to wear a face covering whenever they are inside campus buildings or facilities.

Caltech continues to consult with local public health authorities on protocols for campus and will provide updates to the community as we move forward.