As we return to a new academic year on campus, one of the COVID-secure measures we are introducing to protect our community will be a requirement to wear a face covering in many of our daily activities, as you will already be doing in your daily life off campus.
This includes:
- Inside University buildings such as libraries, learning spaces, lecture theatres, laboratories, workshops, studios and offices – unless you have been specifically told otherwise because the space has been designed to enable 2 metres physical distancing.
- In all shared spaces within student accommodation such as communal circulation spaces and entrance ways, receptions, laundries, study areas.
- On public transport including Unilink buses, and at transport hubs if indoors or if physical distancing cannot be followed.
- In any indoor space open to the public where physical distancing is more challenging.
- If you are unsure, then the simple rule is to a wear face covering indoors when on our campuses.
Our University hosts a substantial community of people and in order to help protect everyone we have been working hard to redesign and redistribute spaces to be COVID-secure, but due to the size of our community two metre distancing is not achievable in many of our spaces. Therefore, it is crucial that each of us takes personal responsibility by always wearing face coverings when required.
It is also important that we continue to show respect for each other. Face coverings may be less comfortable for some than others, and we encourage staff and students to take regular breaks outside*, and to be considerate of those who may feel the need to do so more often.
We are an inclusive community and some members may be exempt from wearing face coverings for reasons set out by the UK Government. If a colleague or student is exempt from face covering requirements, they may choose to apply for hidden-disability lanyards which will be available from the University. We know that our community will be respectful and supportive of each other as we continue to adapt to changing circumstances.
Further guidance is available on the Face coverings page of our ‘Health and Safety during COVID-19’ SharePoint site.
* please note that it is now against the law to gather socially in a group of more than 6 people.
