In alignment with current CDC and NCDHHS recommendations, Salem Academy and College will begin relaxing the use of required facial coverings as of April 21, 2022. Specifically, as of April 21, masks will be optional for faculty, staff, students and visitors with the exceptions specified below.
Masks are required:
Decisions regarding masking (and physical distancing) should be made around personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk. Choosing to mask is always an option. Please know that we may revisit this mask guidance if the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community changes.
Many individuals on our campus may choose to remain masked (and practice physical distancing) in indoor and outdoor settings. We ask that you show respect and consideration for those who make this personal decision.
Face coverings must meet one of the following criteria:
Gaiter style face coverings are not permitted. Students and employees are expected to maintain their own supply of face coverings that fit appropriately and can be cleaned regularly and changed daily.
Students, employees, and visitors should continue to practice safe physical distancing whenever possible. With the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, Salem classrooms and other campus spaces will operate with reduced physical distancing requirements and higher occupancy limits than previously possible during the pandemic.
Healthy hand hygiene and frequent hand washing are required. Students, employees, and guests are expected to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting a public space and blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching their face. If soap and water are not readily available, individuals should use appropriate hand sanitizer. For COVID-19 prevention, avoid shaking hands and touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face. Salem will provide hand-sanitizer in building lobbies and common spaces to encourage and facilitate campus keeping their hands clean.
Campus members are expected to exhibit coughing and sneezing hygiene by covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or using the inside of their elbow. Individuals must throw used tissues in a trash receptacle and immediately wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean their hands with an appropriate hand sanitizer.