Mask requirement
This message is sent on behalf of Jon Driver, vice-president academic and provost pro tem. It has been sent to all faculty, staff and students.
We have been closely following the direction of the BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry in response to COVID-19 to ensure our community continues to remain healthy and safe during the pandemic. Yesterday Dr. Henry extended orders issued on Nov. 7, 2020 to Dec. 7, 2020, and expanded them to all of BC. New measures were also added including limits on travel, social gatherings as well as the requirement to wear masks in all indoor public areas and workplace settings where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Masks are now required
As a result of the orders yesterday, masks are now required to be worn in all indoor common areas on SFU campuses. Common areas include building entryways and atriums, hallways, stairwells, washrooms, study areas, coffee shops, dining halls, fitness facilities, libraries, health centres, student services areas, student residences and other high-traffic common areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained. In addition, masks are also required in classrooms and shared study, work and research spaces.
What if I can’t wear a mask?
People who are not able to wear a mask for medical or other reasons are exempt and asked to be especially careful to maintain a safe distance from others.
Safety is a shared responsibility of our community
It’s important that we all continue to do our part to be kind and take care of each other during this time. Campus Public Safety and the COVID-19 Ambassador Team are present on campuses to remind people about all COVID-19 safety measures, including physical distancing, handwashing and masks. Signage is also posted at building entries and throughout common areas as reminders.
If you notice that someone isn’t following COVID-19 safety protocols, be kind and give them a gentle reminder of the protocols that keep us all safe. If you are in a common area, you can also inform Campus Public Safety or a member of the COVID-19 Safety Ambassador Team. For workplaces, let your supervisor know. You can also report a safety concern anonymously online using the COVID-19 Safety Reporting Form.
We thank everyone for doing their part to protect each other.
Masks are available for students, staff and faculty on campus
SFU branded non-medical masks will be supplied to staff and faculty who provide essential services, teaching and research on campus. We will be reaching out to the departments with more information on how to order masks for their teams. Students can also get masks in Burnaby from the Library or the Student Information Desk at Maggie Benson or from the security desks on the Vancouver and Surrey campuses.
Reminders
Non-medical masks are most effective when used in combination with other COVID-19 prevention measures:
· Do not come to campus if you have any symptoms of illness
· Wash your hands frequently
· Avoid touching your face
· Maintain a safe physical distance of six feet (two metres) from others at all times
· Always wear a mask when it is not possible to maintain a safe physical distance
Resources
We continue to operate at the H1-COVID-19 impact scale and implement the measures announced on Nov 8, 2020, including daily active health screening for employees on campus, suspending in-person meetings and events, accommodating employees to work from home as well as limiting all non-essential travel.
Additional resources:
· SFU’s COVID-19 safety measures in place - SFU Go-Forward Plan
· Latest orders from BC's Medical Health Officer
· How to safely and effectively wear a mask
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate the pandemic together. Stay safe, healthy and well. If you have questions or need more information, email covid19@sfu.ca.
Jonathan Driver
Vice-President, Academic and Provost pro tem
Simon Fraser University
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