MASCUP! Mask Adherence Surveillance at College and Universities

The School of Public Health, in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, launched a study to observe mask use on and around campus. Over 60 colleges and universities across the country participated in this study during the spring semester 2021. Public Health students trained as data collectors observed people on campus and at off-campus sites frequented by students.

Summary of Observations

The study was conducted for 10 weeks, from February 8-April 18th. During this 10-week period, 1255 individuals were observed. Nearly all (90%) wore masks, and of those 83% wore their mask correctly. The most common mask type observed during the previous week was cloth (65%), followed by surgical masks (29%).

April 12-18

88% wore masks and of those, 77% wore their mask correctly.
The most common mask type observed was cloth (67%).
(180 observations)
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April 5-11

89% wore masks and of those, 81% wore their mask correctly.
The most common mask type observed was cloth (56%).
(112 observations)
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March 29-April 3

91% wore masks and of those, 86% wore their mask correctly.
The most common mask type observed was cloth (69%).
(126 observations)
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March 22-28

91% wore masks and of those, 86% wore their mask correctly.
The most common mask type observed was cloth (69%).
(152 observations)
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March 15-21

89% wore masks and of those, 91% wore their mask correctly.
The most common mask type observed was cloth (57%).
(118 observations)
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March 8-14

83% wore masks and of those, 68% wore their mask correctly.
The most common mask type observed was cloth (51%).
(117 observations)
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Feb. 22-28

92% wore masks and of those, 88% wore their mask correctly.
The most common mask type observed during the previous week was cloth (77%), followed by surgical masks (21%).
(125 observations)
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Feb. 1-21

During the first weeks of the study, 95% wore masks and of those 93% wore their mask correctly.

For more information on COVID-19 and correct mask usage, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.