Social distancing and good hygiene practice remain the most effective controls in slowing the spread of Covid-19, while the use of face coverings – particularly indoors – has also been proven to help. This is why we are asking our community to wear face masks not only when entering, leaving and moving around buildings, but also when using areas such as teaching rooms and study spaces.

Advise, Warn, Leave

The University has introduced the Advise, Warn, Leave process for anyone not complying with our face coverings policy. The process will follow the steps outlined below:

1. Advise – If you neglect to wear a face covering in a University building you will be politely reminded to it is University policy to wear face coverings at all times in our buildings, unless you are exempt. Sunflower lanyards are available from libraries to indicate an exception.
2. Warn – If a face covering is not worn following the initial reminder and you are not exempt, you will receive a verbal warning advising that continued non-compliance with the policy will result in you being asked to leave the building.
3. Leave – If, following the first two reminders, you consistently do not wear your face covering, you will politely be asked to leave the building. You will also be asked to show your University card and your details will be passed to the Campus Life team.

Study areas and workspaces (including libraries)

You must wear a face covering at all times in all workspaces and study areas, including libraries. These areas can be identified locally or by the use of green dots to indicate a Covid-secure study space.

Exemptions

You may be exempt from wearing a face covering if you have personal health requirements or hidden conditions such as anxiety. A sunflower lanyard can help alert others to this. While wearing a sunflower lanyard to show exemption is recommended, it is not compulsory.

Guidance for wearing a face covering

When wearing a face covering, please ensure you have a good fit, but avoid touching and adjusting the covering where possible, as this can spread the virus to surfaces.

You should wash your hands immediately after removing your face covering and – if you have a reusable face covering – wash it after each use and tumble-dry it if possible. If you have a disposable covering, avoid touching the front of it where possible and dispose of it immediately and responsibly.

We want everyone to be able to use our buildings safely and confidently. We ask that everyone observes the face coverings policy and complies with Advise, Warn, Learn.