What you need to know about mask requirements on campus
Wear masks outdoors on campus unless you’re maintaining a two-metre distance from others. Photo by Jake Stendel
Wearing a mask or face covering helps prevent transmission, and continues to be one of the most important steps we can take to minimize the risk of transmission in the community. This infographic provides an overview of mask guidelines on campus.
- A Mask or Face Covering must be worn by every person at all times while indoors in a manner that covers their mouth, nose, and chin.
- Ryerson faculty and staff may remove their Masks or Face Coverings when they are working in enclosed areas (e.g. an office) designated for their individual use that are not open to the public. However, if another person enters the space, both parties must wear a mask or face covering. Please note that individuals working in open spaces or cubicles must wear their mask at all times.
- Students must wear a mask or face covering at all times while indoors in public spaces, including in individual study spaces.
- Visitors, contractors, or members of the general public, will have to wear a mask at all times in all indoor spaces.
- All persons on campus must wear a mask while outdoors when they cannot maintain a physical distance of 2-metres from others.
- Masks or face coverings may be temporarily removed when eating or drinking in an area designated for dining. For staff, this includes a designated break space. For students, this includes campus dining areas such as the dining halls.
FAQs about mask use on campus
What type of mask am I required to wear?
The mask policy requires that non-medical masks or face coverings be worn as the Public Health Agency of Canada continues to advise that non-medical masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Your mask should be made of at least two layers of tightly woven fabric and a middle filter layer.
Can I take my mask off to eat in class?
Where possible, we recommend faculty/students do not remove their masks to drink/eat during class, unless necessary for health and safety. Masks should not be removed for extended periods of time and we do not encourage gatherings of individuals for the purpose of eating together, unless in a designated campus eatery/dining hall.
Do I need to wear a mask while outdoors on campus?
All persons on campus must wear a mask while outdoors when they cannot maintain a physical distance of two metres from others.
What should I do if I’m in a space with someone and they have removed their mask?
We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe and limiting the spread of COVID-19. If someone’s mask has been temporarily removed, or they’ve forgotten to put it on, start with a gentle reminder to put it back on.
Are there any exemptions to the mask policy?
The following individuals are exempt from the mask or face covering requirement:
- children under two years of age;
- persons with an underlying medical condition which inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering;
- persons who are unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance; and
- persons who are reasonably accommodated by not wearing a mask or face covering in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code or the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
If I am at higher risk due to either my own health or requirements to participate in activities where physical distancing is difficult, will medical or fitted masks be provided?
As an added layer of protection, for the Winter 2022 semester, the university is providing medical grade or fitted masks, such as N95s for university community members in specific settings.
Please visit the Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for more information.
Masks are just one part of a multilayered approach to health and safety
Since the onset of the pandemic, based on public health guidelines and provincial requirements, Ryerson has implemented a multilayered approach to health and safety on campus.
In addition to wearing a mask when required, community members are reminded:
- You must be fully vaccinated or have received an approved exemption from the university to access campus or university activities off-campus.
- We also strongly encourage all community members to receive their booster shot if you haven’t already.
- Stay home if you are ill and complete health screening before coming to campus.
- Continue to physically distance where required.
- Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene.
These health and safety measures require the support and participation of our community working together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on campus. For more information on health and safety on campus, visit the COVID-19 website.