KN95 Mask Distribution Process

Wearing face coverings is a critical public health tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19, and it is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask.

To protect yourself and others from COVID-19, the CDC continues to recommend that you wear the most protective face covering you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.

Faulty Distribution Locations

• Arts & Sciences—CSP, Herman Hall, and Emerson Hall
• Business—Churchill Hall
• Engineering—Sleith Hall
• Law—Blake Law Center
• Pharmacy (OTD)—CSP and Blake Law Center

Student Distribution Locations

• Residential Students—Masks have been provided to the Area Directors for distribution in the residence halls.
• Commuter Students can pick up their masks at the Information Center located on the first floor of the St. Germain Campus Center.

Staff Distribution Locations

• Deliso Hall
• Rivers Memorial Hall
• D’Amour Library
• Welcome Center
• Churchill Hall
• Health Services (CSP)
• CAHLC
• Campus Center
• CUB
• Public Safety
  
  

KN95 FAQs 

What is a KN95 mask?

KN95 masks reduce the amount of dust or virus particles a person breathes in by approximately 95%.

How can I replace the KN95 mask?

WNE will provide two initial KN95 masks to each community member. They are readily available online and in many local retailers. KN95s, while disposable, are designed to be worn multiple times safely. 

How is a KN95 different from an N95?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not consider a KN95 mask to be a negative pressure respirator, since it has not been certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Therefore, OSHA does not require a person to be “fit tested” to wear a KN95 mask. Since a person is not fit tested for a KN95 mask, they should not use a KN95 mask in situations where a fit tested N95 mask is required

Why use a KN95 instead of an N95 mask?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that N95s be reserved for healthcare providers.

How do I properly use my KN95?

• If possible, wash or sanitize your hands immediately before and after putting your KN95 on, and immediately before and after taking it off when planning to reuse it.
• Unfold your mask and flatten the metal nose clip.
• Place the mask over your face, with the bottom below your chin and the nosepiece up.
• Place the straps of the mask over each of your ears.
• Adjust the metal nose clip using fingers from both hands to mold the clip to the shape of your nose.
• Adjust fit as necessary to reduce air flow around the mask.
• Significant facial hair (more than 3-days growth) adversely affects the ability of the KN95 to form a tight seal around your face and thus reduces the KN95’s effectiveness at protecting you from COVID-19. Therefore, parts of your face that come in contact with the KN95 should be free of significant facial hair.
• If you wear glasses and find fogging to be a nuisance, wash the lenses with soapy water and shake off the excess before putting on your mask (wipe off nose piece to minimize skin irritation).

How should I care for and store my KN95?

Please DO NOT attempt to wash your KN95. With proper care, your KN95 should be reusable for an extended period of time.

To keep your KN95 clean between uses, store your mask in a safe location that other people cannot access and where it will not get wet or be subject to direct sunlight or excessive heat. A dry paper bag works well for storing your KN95.

When should I discard my KN95?

You should replace your KN95 when it:

• Becomes soiled
• No longer covers the nose and mouth
• Has stretched out or damaged ties or straps
• Cannot stay on the face
• Has holes or tears in the fabric 

A KN95 may be disposed of in the normal trash.