ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ

ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ to distribute 250,000 non-medical masks to community members

ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ masks laid out in a room with cardboard boxes. An employee unboxes the mask in the distance.
The university's plan to distribute non-medical face masks comes as it officially expanded its on-campus mask measures to cover all common-use indoor spaces on university property, including classrooms (photo by Johnny Guatto)

In an effort to support community members, the ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ will distribute a quarter million non-medical face masks to students, staff, faculty and librarians – two each – starting with essential workers on campus.

Students will be able to pick up their masks at the T-Card office, student dorms and libraries, among other places – even free, T-Card-operated vending machines are being considered for contactless distribution. Masks will be available for pick up at some locations as of Aug. 24. Further details are available at ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ's UTogether site.

Staff, faculty and librarians, meantime, will receive instructions from chief administrative officers about how to obtain their masks.

The reusable two-layer masks, made of polyester, are machine washable and were selected in part for their durability and comfort. They are intended to supplement the homemade and store-bought masks many ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ community members have been using since the pandemic began.

β€œAs we welcome students, staff, faculty and librarians back to campus this fall, we want to ensure everyone has reusable and high-quality non-medical masks at their disposal so we can all do our part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” said Scott Mabury, ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ’s vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships.

Public health experts have emphasized the importance of non-medical face masks to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that may carry the virus causing COVID-19.

The reusable two-layer masks, intended to supplement the homemade and store-bought masks many ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ community members are already using, were selected because of their durability and comfort (photo by Johnny Guatto) 

ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ community members are urged to pick up their masks at their convenience.

β€œDon’t make an unnecessary trip to campus to collect your masks,” Mabury said, noting that ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ is pursuing a gradual and safe return to operations.

The plan to distribute non-medical face masks to community members comes as ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ officially expanded its on-campus mask measures to cover all common-use indoor spaces on university property, including classrooms and common areas in residences.

Staff unload boxes of reuseable, non-medical masks that will be distributed to the ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ community (photo by Johnny Guatto)

β€œWhile many students, staff, faculty and librarians will continue to work remotely, ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ has updated its mask-wearing policy following the latest public health advice to further protect the health and safety of community members who will be on campus,” said Cheryl Regehr, ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ’s vice-president and provost.

β€œIn addition to physical distancing and proper hand hygiene, wearing a mask in indoor common spaces is a component of our toolkit when it comes to limiting the spread of COVID-19.”

ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ’s mask policy mirrors similar moves by the City of Toronto and City of Mississauga.

Under the ΟγΈΫΑωΊΟ²ΚΧΚΑΟ policy, anyone present on university property – including employees, students, contractors, volunteers and visitors – must wear a non-medical mask that covers their nose, mouth and chin without gapping. Other examples of acceptable face-coverings include balaclavas, bandanas or scarves. 

The policy is subject to the duty to accommodate persons in accordance with the Human Rights Code of Ontario.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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