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This online version is for convenience; the official version of this policy is housed in the University Secretariat. In case of discrepancy between the online version and the official version held by the Secretariat, the official version shall prevail.

Approving Authority: President

Original Approval Date: September 4, 2020

Date of Most Recent Review/Revision: September 3, 2021

Office of Accountability: Vice-President: Finance and Administration

Administrative Responsibility: Safety, Health, Environment and Risk Management (SHERM)

1.00 Purpose

1.01 Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment to its faculty, staff, students, visitors, volunteers and contractors. As part of this commitment, Laurier is implementing this temporary Policy requiring Face Coverings to be worn indoors when other people are present to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

1.02 This Policy is consistent with the local and provincial public health directives taken by the Government of Ontario, Region of Waterloo and the County of Brant and will remain in effect until otherwise communicated.

2.00 Definitions

2.01 Employee: A person who performs work for wages in any capacity for the University.

2.02 Worker: Includes all University Employees (whether full-time, part-time or contract) and as defined under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

2.03 Student: An individual registered in a course of study as a Student at the University, either full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or non-degree certificate programs.

2.04 Member(s) of the University Community: Persons who currently live, work, or study on any Laurier campus. Members include Students (including Student groups), Employees, adjunct and visiting faculty, and volunteers at Laurier.

2.05 Common-Use Indoor University Spaces: Includes lobbies, hallways, corridors, stairwells, washrooms, elevators, lunchrooms, food service facilities, study spaces, meeting rooms, common areas in residences, shared or open-space offices, research and teaching labs, classrooms and other common areas.

2.06 Face Covering: A medical or multi-layer non-medical mask that securely covers the nose, mouth and chin that creates a barrier to limit the spread of respiratory illnesses. Face shields and partial plastic mouth shields are not an acceptable form of Face Covering for the purpose of this policy as they are not proven to limit the spread of droplets. Face shields may be used in conjunction with a Face Covering to give added protection. Any face covering that contains an exhaust port or valve is strongly discouraged.

3.00 Jurisdiction/Scope

This Policy applies to all Member(s) of the University Community, contractors and visitors on site at all Laurier campuses and locations, unless specifically exempted below.

4.00 Policy

4.01 This Policy is consistent with the recommendations of the public health units and will remain in effect as long as Ontario public authorities recommend the wearing is necessary in common use indoor spaces. It is subject to change at the discretion of the University as public health guidance and understanding of COVID-19 evolves.

4.02 Laurier is committed to fostering a healthy and safe environment. All Members of the University Community are required to wear a Face Covering in all Common-Use Indoor University Spaces, including but not limited to when Employees are going to, and leaving from their personal office space except where otherwise exempted by this Policy.

4.03 An individual who is within a space designated for the individual that is not a Common-Use Indoor University Space, and can maintain two metres distance from all other individuals in the space is not required to wear a Face Covering.

4.04 Employees working in open office areas and who can maintain at least 2-metres distance from all other individuals in the space at all times are strongly recommended, but not required, to wear a Face Covering. If individuals come to their workspace to talk to them they must put their Face Covering back on until the discussion is finished. Employees must also put a Face Covering back on whenever they leave their personal workspace.

4.05 Students are required to wear a Face Covering in all Common-Use Indoor University Spaces,  classrooms and laboratories, including but not limited to when the Student is going to, attending and leaving classes.

4.06 An Employee engaged in teaching, instructing, lecturing, performance, or other similar activities where they are able to maintain a physical distance of at least 2-metres from other Members of the University Community or is within or behind a physical barrier is not required to wear a Face Covering while engaged in that activity.

4.07 Employees requiring an accommodation from the application of this policy should do so in accordance with Policy 8.7 Employee Accommodations. Students requiring an accommodation from the application of this policy due to a disability as defined under the Ontario Human Rights Code should do so through the Dean of Students Office. . Documentation may be requested for the accommodation to be approved. Members of the University Community requiring an accommodation from the application of this Policy for reasons unrelated to disability should do so through the Equity and Accessibility Team in Human Resources or SHERM.

4.08 Compliance and enforcement of this Policy will be in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures and/or collective agreements. Enforcement of this Policy, including the implementation of discipline or sanctions, will depend on the individual’s relationship with the University and the nature and impact of the infraction.

4.09 Member(s) of the University Community are expected to comply with this Policy and its requirements and applicable public health directives. Department supervisors are required to ensure all of their Employees have a thorough understanding of these requirements and adhere to them.

4.10 Exemptions

An individual may temporarily remove a Face Covering in a designated area when:

• Working or spending time alone in a personal workspace, office or other private areas on campus
• Working or spending time outdoors and at least 2-metres physical distance can be maintained
• Operating a single occupancy vehicle
• Inside a private on-campus residential space
• Eating or drinking in a designated food services facility while maintaining a 2-metre physical distance between people
• In case of an emergency
• Those actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity while maintaining a 2-metre physical distance between people or participants in intramural or varsity sports
• Those that have an accommodation in accordance with 4.07 of this Policy
• Persons performing or rehearsing in a film or television production or in a concert, artistic event, theatrical performance or other performance as approved in advance by the University.

Relevant Legislation

• Occupational Health & Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER 0.1
• Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9  
• Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
• Brant County Health Unit
• Region of Waterloo Face Covering Bylaw
• County of Brant Face Covering Bylaw

Related Policies, Procedures and Document

• 7.1 Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety
• 8.7 Employment Accommodation Policy
• 12.3 Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct
• PPE Personal Hygiene Protocols