As the weather gets cooler and we learn more about the coronavirus (COVID-19), UNC Wilmington has updated their mask mandate.

Recently, the university pushed out a message on their Instagram updating the requirements for wearing masks on campus. Students also did not receive an email regarding this update. 

Masks must now be worn at all times while on campus, both inside and outside. The only expectations for this rule are when someone is alone outdoors, eating or alone in their room or office. 

This is an update from the previous mandate which only required masks inside and outdoors when in groups. 

Alongside this updated mask mandate, the university also announced two new efforts to reward students regularly wearing masks on campus — Mask Spotter Monday and Teal Mask Tuesday.

In an email sent out to students on Sept. 21, UNCW detailed these new efforts in partnership with Housing and Residence Life, Campus Dining and the Student Health Center. 

“Each week, on Mask Spotter Monday and Teal Mask Tuesday, Housing’s student marketing assistants will traverse campus to give out prizes, including Chick-fil-A and Panda Express coupons, to students who are spotted wearing their masks,” the email stated. “At other times, peer educators from the Student Health Center will circulate around campus to give mask-wearing students hand sanitizer, stickers and other prizes. We appreciate everyone’s help in keeping our campus safe and we want to offer a few incentives and rewards, so we keep it up and stay healthy!”

These announcements come as UNCW has 188 students, eight faculty and staff and one contractor with active positive COVID-19 cases. Since July, 412 students, 11 faculty and staff and one contractor have tested positive for COVID-19. Updates numbers regarding UNCW’s COVID-19 cases can be found on their data dashboard website.