Updated August 20, 2025
Masking is optional for all students, employees, and contracted workers. Per the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health LACDPH, masks that fit and filter well are effective tools for preventing the spread of many respiratory illnesses, not just COVID-19. We encourage wearing a mask when experiencing any symptoms of respiratory infection, regardless of the cause. This simple practice can significantly reduce disease transmission in educational settings and is strongly recommended.
Recommended face coverings should be medical-grade masks or respirators (KF94, KN95, N95). Face masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of the face. Disposable face masks should be discarded in the trash after use. They should also be removed and replaced when they become moist or visibly dirty.
Gloves are not necessary for general use and do not replace good hygiene. Washing hands often is considered the best practice for common everyday tasks. Gloves may provide a false sense of security and a higher risk of cross-contamination. Misusing gloves poses a greater risk than not touching your face and washing your hands properly after completing a task.
Generally, if a task did not require gloves prior to the pandemic, gloves are not required now. If a task (e.g., laboratory) required a specific type of glove as PPE prior to the pandemic, those requirements remain in place. Staff from the Health Center, Food Service, Athletics, The Broadoaks School, and custodial staff will continue using and procuring disposable gloves according to their normal procedures.
When in a setting without a face covering, individuals should remember to always cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or use the inside of the elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. After sneezing, individuals should immediately wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, they should clean their hands with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
If wearing a face covering while sneezing/coughing and the face covering becomes contaminated with mucus, individuals should change the mask and launder it. If wearing a disposable mask, throw the contaminated mask in the trash and replace it.
Everyone should wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, when hands are visibly dirty, and after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Employees, contracted workers, and volunteers are required to report a positive COVID-19 result or diagnosis to comply with Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Standards by using this online form.
Students should report to the Student Health & Wellness Center in accordance with the LA County Department of Public Health COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Illness Guidelines for Education Settings. Individuals should use the appropriate online report form to aid the College in containing the spread of infection. See Forms & Resources.
Whittier College recognizes that some members of our community may be at greater risk for COVID-19 or may live in a household with someone who is at increased risk. Please consult the CDC Guidelines regarding people who should take extra precautions and the conditions that may increase the risk of severe illness. Students or employees seeking accommodation should contact Student Accessibility Services or Human Resources, respectively.
The Facilities Department has evaluated the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 through airborne exposure. The College is following guidance from the State and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) regarding maintenance, and system modifications to maximize ventilation and filtration.
Keep windows and other sources of natural ventilation open to the greatest extent possible when weather and air quality conditions allow. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk to anyone using the facility.
Consult with Facilities before using fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows. Inappropriate placement of fans could potentially cause contaminated air to flow directly from one person to another.
