FAQ Masks

Where do I have to wear a mask on Campus?

You are required to wear a mask in common/indoor public areas including hallways, bathrooms, elevators and lounges.

Can I take my mask off for eating and drinking?

Yes. When you remove your mask, follow instructions to remove mask safely including washing your hands and removing mask from behind, and then storing in plastic bag. Plan to eat and drink in a location that allows you to remain physically distant from others.

Who is exempt from wearing a mask?

• People with underlying medical conditions or disabilities inhibiting their ability to wear a face-covering
• People who are unable to place, use or remove a face covering safely without assistance
• People who are eating or drinking at public premises that offer food or beverage services
• People engaging in an athletic or fitness activity
• People who are caregiving for or accompanying a person with a disability where wearing a face covering would hinder the accommodation of the person’s disability (for example, the ability to lip-read)
• People who have temporarily removed their face covering where doing so is necessary to provide or receive a service (for example, a visit to the dentist)
• Children under 2 years of age
• People in a classroom or other instructional space when physical distancing is being maintained

How do I care for my mask?

• Store your masks in a way that protects them from getting dirty or damaged (for example in a sealed and clean storage bag)
• Place in a dry area of your home or workplace - Identify or label mask storage bags so masks are not used by others, accidentally
• Place the cloth mask directly into the washing machine or a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine. Throw out the bag after you have used it to store used masks.
• Launder with other items using a hot cycle, and then dried thoroughly.
• Do not bleach, press, iron or steam.
• Inspect the mask prior to reuse to ensure it has maintained its shape after washing and drying.
• Perform hand hygiene immediately after handling a used mask.

If I wear a niqab or burqa do I still need to wear a mask?

If you wear a religious garment made of fitted fabric that covers the nose and mouth, you do not have to wear an additional mask or face covering.

What is the difference between a reusable face cover & a PPE face mask?

Reusable Face Covering: These include home-made or purchased reusable cloth masks. These are cloth masks typically made of a tightly woven fabric that help prevent the spread of droplets from the wearer’s mouth. While these are helpful to reduce the risk of spreading germs to others, these will not protect the wearer against workplace exposures such as particles, vapours, or gasses, and should not be used in place of PPE. Quality, care and use of reusable face coverings may vary and generally are not standardized although there are recommendations for their quality, care and use.

Disposable/Procedure or Surgical Masks (PPE): These are disposable masks that are usually created to a quality standard. Disposable masks are discarded between uses and therefore do not require the wearer to clean, or care for, between uses. They may be labelled as medical, surgical or procedure masks. When used in conjunction with other PPE items such as eye protection, gown, and gloves, these masks provide a barrier to splashes, saliva, or spit, droplets. When not used with other PPE these masks help prevent spread of droplets from the wearer’s mouth but do not protect the wearer from exposure to the droplets of others. For work-related tasks that put individuals within close proximity of each other, such as situations where physical distancing is not possible, a procedure or surgical mask (rather than a reusable face covering) is required by both individuals.

Respirator (e.g. N95 mask, cartridge respirator) (PPE): These are masks that filter out particulates or other contaminants in the air. They are tested and certified by recognized certification agencies and other authorities. These masks provide a tight seal to the wearer’s face and must be fit tested to ensure that seal is adequate. They are generally only required during specific, high-risk medical procedures and lab activities where the wearer is exposed to chemicals/dust or droplet/airborne viruses and bacteria.

Which is the best type of mask to wear?

Using a reusable face covering has a number of advantages over disposable face coverings:

• You can buy or make the covering using a comfortable material
• The covering can be easily washed and used again. This might help you save money, especially if you need to regularly wear one.
• You can make your covering using material you potentially already have at home
• They are more sustainable and better for the environment.

There are no additional benefits in using a disposable covering versus a washed and clean reusable cloth one. It is best to use a reusable cloth covering if you can.

Can I take my mask off in the classroom?

Yes. However, you are required to maintain 2 metres physical distance from others while in your classroom.

Can I take my mask off in a quiet study space?

While in transit you should be wearing a mask in these spaces. Once you have reached your study space you may remove your mask. You are required to maintain 2 metres physical distance from others while in your study space.

Can my class facilitator refuse to let me join a class if I'm not wearing a mask?

If you have face-to-face classes and maintain physical distancing protocols, you do not need to wear a mask in the classroom. If you have a registered disability, please contact Student Accessibility Services.

Which courses or course components (theory, labs, tutorials etc.) are online and which are at the college?

You can see the format of your courses (at the college vs. online) in your course outline.  Each department will determine delivery options based on the requirements of each course.

Will my online course components be scheduled at a specific time, or can I engage with the course material at a time that is convenient for me?

This will depend on the course and associated component(s).

Online course components will either be synchronous (scheduled at specific times), asynchronous (not scheduled at a specific time), or hybrid (some meetings delivered synchronously, and some delivered asynchronously).

I am concerned about my academic accommodations for online courses.

Once you receive the revised course outlines, please review delivery methods and assessments to determine whether your accommodations need to be updated. Please discuss with the head of the department.

What technology do I need to have access to?

To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer that has a microphone and camera. You should also have internet/Wi-Fi access.  If these are not available to you, please speak with your department head.

Do staff have to wear a mask even if plexiglass shields are in place?

Plexiglass shields can be a reliable control to replace mask use. In situations where an individual may not be protected from the plexiglass barrier, it is recommended for the frontline worker to wear a mask. In any case, people coming in to receive the service need to wear a mask.

Do masks need to be worn in individual office spaces?

Mask use is not required in office spaces. However, you are required to maintain a 2-metre physical distance in office spaces. Mask use is required in indoor public spaces on campus.

A co-worker is not wearing a mask, and I feel uncomfortable. What should I do?

Faculty and staff are not required to wear masks in office spaces unless the office space faces a general public area. Speak to your supervisor about the College mask protocols that are in place to prevent your COVID exposure.

What if I observe a staff member or student not wearing a mask?

Managers and other department leaders who observe their staff or students first-hand in non-compliance with the mask protocol should promptly remind the individual that they are in breach of the mask protocols and must immediately put on their mask. If they refuse to comply, they should be required to leave campus promptly and advised not return until further notice after which the manager should contact either Human Resources department or Office the Registrar to determine the appropriate next steps including documentation of the incident.

What if I do not observe the non-compliance first-hand, but it is reported to me?

In the event that an incident of non-compliance is reported to a Manager or other department leader, safely determine whether the individual continues to be in non-compliance and if so, immediately remind them of their obligations under the mask protocol. If they refuse to comply, they should be required to leave campus promptly and advised not return until further notice. Immediately following, the manager should contact either Human Resources department or Office the Registrar to determine the appropriate next steps including documentation of the incident.

What if a staff member or student refuses to wear a mask for philosophical or personal reasons?

The College requirement to wear a mask on campus is reasonable in the present circumstances and given the recommendation of Alberta Public Health. Refusal to comply with reasonable direction may be considered insubordination and could attract employment consequences. These may include, but are not limited to, immediate prohibition from campus.

What if I have a staff member or student refusing to wear a mask for medical reasons?

An individual who cannot wear a mask for legitimate medical reasons must provide sufficient medical documentation forthwith to validate their claim. In the interim, as a matter of health and safety, the individual should be prevented from attending campus until sufficient medical documentation is received and a reasonable accommodation is identified.