Unfortunately a number of students are removing their coverings once they have gained access to Monica Partridge Building and despite reminders from staff.

If this behaviour continues the University will have no choice but to close this facility to all but those accessing for teaching purposes.

Social distancing and good hygiene practice remain effective controls in slowing the spread of Covid-19, but increasing evidence demonstrates the importance of community protective equipment, such as face coverings, in slowing the transmission, particularly indoors.

This is why we ask our community to wear coverings when entering, leaving and moving around buildings, and also when using areas such as teaching rooms and study spaces.

The University has introduced the Advise, Warn, Leave process for anyone not complying with our face coverings policy. If poor compliance continues closure of the facility will be the last resort.

Why wear a covering?

Face coverings are intended to trap very small droplets that are released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes. Asking everyone to wear coverings can help reduce the spread of the virus by people who have Covid-19 but don't realize it. It is about not just protecting each other as fellow students but reducing the risk to University staff and the rest of our community.

Coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of the virus when they are widely used by people in public settings. Countries that required face masks, testing, isolation and social distancing early in the pandemic have successfully slowed the spread of the virus.

Face coverings, when used effectively can also reduce the contamination of our work and study environments, by capturing the virus. This protects people who use the study spaces before and after you and reduces the risk, even if there is no-one present at the same time as you.

Pointers for using your face covering:

• wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on and taking off your covering
• place your covering over your mouth and nose
• tie it behind your head or use ear loops and make sure it's snug
• don't touch your covering while wearing it, especially the front (you can re-adjust a covering by pull the straps up from behind the head to avoid touching)
• if you accidentally touch your covering, wash or sanitize your hands
• if your covering becomes wet or dirty, switch to a clean one. Put the used covering in a sealable bag until you can wash it
• remove the covering by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face
• regularly wash your covering ideally by placing it into the washing machine. It's fine to launder it with other clothes. Ideally tumble dry if possible