USC President Bob Caslen announced on Wednesday that all individuals will be expected to carry a face covering on campus starting June 1.
The policy calls for face coverings to be worn "whenever physical distancing (six feet or more) is difficult or the risk of infection is high." For this reason, faculty, staff and students are expected to carry a face covering on them at all times.
Face coverings will be required in Student Health Services, Thomas Cooper Library, the Russell House and all classrooms.
"The research is clear: an infected person wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of COVID-19 to others," Caslen said. "It could be easy to assume that you don’t need to wear a face covering if you feel fine, but we all know that asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 could unknowingly spread the virus to those around them."
All students, faculty and staff members will be provided a "washable, reusable face covering" by the university. The Student Disabilities Resource Center will make accommodations for students with health conditions that may make wearing a face covering "risky."
This announcement comes as the university prepares to begin its phased-in approach to reopening campus. Free testing will be administered to returning students and employees from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m June 1 and 2 at the Colonial Life Arena. A health insurance card and Carolina ID are required.
For additional details, visit the university's COVID-19 update page.