Union College orders mask upgrade; cloth masks no longer allowed

SCHENECTADY – Cloth masks are no longer allowed on the Union College campus.

Instead, the college is requiring people to wear KF-94 masks, KN-95s, or disposable surgical-style masks.

Union made the decision before the start of the winter semester, amid a surge in cases across the area.

The school says cloth masks are not effective in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 omicron variant. They say cloth masks should only be used if they’re worn over a disposable surgical-style mask.

The college requires masks in most indoor spaces on campus, including classrooms, common academic areas, the library and gym.