When and where do I need to wear a mask?
Which type of masks are recommended?
B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has provided requirements and exemptions for masks/face coverings due to COVID-19. This applies to all students, employees, contractors and subcontractors, agents, visitors and other patrons at post-secondary institutions in B.C.
Mask requirements
- How to wear it: Masks must cover both your nose and mouth
- Type: Currently, 3 ply medical masks are the recommended choice for most students and employees. N95 respirator masks are acceptable, but only required in specific settings when requested to be used.
- Where: Masks/face coverings must be worn inside indoor public spaces and indoor post-secondary spaces. This includes classrooms, the library, offices, theatres and sport facilities on campus. There is no entry into facilities without a mask. Masks may be required for additional tasks and activities on-campus as well.
The BCCDC provides information on masks for COVID-19 and the types of masks available.
Mask Exemptions
If you …
Are unable to wear a face covering because of a psychological, behavioural or health condition or a physical, cognitive or mental impairment OR are unable to put on or remove the face covering without the assistance of another person:
- Students – Please contact Accessibility Services at access-serv@capilanou.ca and complete the mask exemption request form to provide the University with a doctor’s note to support the accommodation.
- Employees – Please contact your HR Advisor to provide a doctor’s note
Need to temporarily remove the face covering to identify yourself to someone
Are eating and drinking while seated in a designated eating area – i.e. not a classroom
Are participating in exercise activity or sports organized by CapU
Are communicating with a person for whom visual cues are essential
Need to engage in an educational activity that cannot be performed while wearing a mask, e.g. playing a woodwind or brass instrument
Are in a room by yourself
Are delivering a presentation/lecture/teaching (as either an employee or student) AND there is 2m separating you and the students OR a physical barrier between you and the students
Are behind a barrier, separated from other persons, e.g. a divider or cubicle
Are in an office or other indoor post-secondary space with no other students/employees or members of the public are present
Are working in small groups of students/teams in a classroom or breakout room, you may remove your mask for group work during structured learning activities if you can remain 2m away from each other in order to support effective communication, particularly for those with hearing impairments. However, it is important that all students feel safe, and therefore teams should discuss with one another the approach they plan to take during learning activities.
(updated March 7, 2022)
See our Return to Campus inforamtion for more news and updates
Submitted by: Communications