KN95 Masks for Students

The following was sent to all students on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022 from Dr. Judy Platt, Chief Health Officer and Kenneth Elmore, Associate Provost and Dean of Students. Please note the content on these pages and files is no longer being updated and may be out of date.

Welcome and welcome back students,

As we approach the start of the spring semester, we know some students and their families are increasingly anxious about the prospect of returning to campus. While we are confident in the safety protocols that are in place, including – required vaccinations, twice-weekly testing for undergraduate students, and weekly testing for all other members of the community – we understand the heightened concerns present within our community.

Along with our community safety protocols, one of the most important tools to maintain individual health and safety is a well-fitted mask worn correctly and consistently. Boston University’s facial mask policy has been updated and has never been more important. While several types of masks are acceptable – including high quality, multi-layered cloth masks, medical/surgical masks, and respirators – the University has decided to provide KN95 masks to the BU community who will be on campus so that those who are interested in utilizing this high-quality type of mask will have easy access to one.

Starting Wednesday, Jan. 19, the University will provide KN95 masks to all students. The masks will be distributed to students at our on-campus COVID-19 testing and collection sites: 808 Commonwealth Avenue, the Medical Campus, and the Health Services Annex and can be picked up after your regularly scheduled test. These masks can be safely worn for up to 40 hours, or approximately one week, as long as they are not visibly soiled or have lost their shape or seal. In order to ensure a supply for everyone, we will provide four masks for each student, which will enable use of a KN95 mask for the next several weeks. Switching your masks daily and storing them in a paper bag (or somewhere that they won’t get contaminated or contaminate other surfaces) will allow you to extend the use of your masks.

Happy new year and thank you for continuing to follow our protocols and masking up to keep BU safe!

Judy Platt, Chief Health Officer
Kenneth Elmore, Associate Provost and Dean of Students