USC to require medical grade masks on campus

Individuals on the University of Southern California’s campus will be required to wear medical grade masks, the university announced Wednesday.

The policy, which goes into effect Jan. 18, is based on updated masking guidance in California and Los Angeles County, USC officials said in a statement. Medical grade masks “at minimum are surgical masks and may also include higher grade respirator masks” such as N95, KN95 and KF94 masks, officials said.

The masks will be required in indoor common spaces, classrooms, libraries, offices, laboratories and public spaces.

For individuals who don’t already have medical grade masks, USC will provide them at entry points to campus.