News / The University of Bristol
Masks now mandatory in Bristol University buildings
Bristol University bosses have re-introduced mandatory masks in campus buildings as a precautionary measure.
The new regulations will come into effect immediately and mean all staff and students will be expected to wear a face covering while inside unless they are exempt, eating or drinking or “can keep a reasonable distance from others”.
University bosses say the move is designed to protect everyone on campus and also bolster the ability to continue in-person teaching amid concerns about the high Covid rates across the city.
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Student marshals will return to study areas and libraries to remind people about the need to wear a mask in university buildings.
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A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “Covid-19 rates in Bristol remain high and above the average across most of England, and hospitalisation rates continue to put our NHS services under extreme pressure.
“While it is very reassuring that cases within our university community remain low, we are concerned that this picture could change quickly if we drop our guard during the winter months when social distancing and ventilation is more challenging and when other seasonal viruses such as flu are likely to compound the situation further.
“As a precautionary measure to protect our community and bolster our ability to continue in-person teaching, from today all staff and students are now required to wear a face covering inside buildings on campus, unless they are exempt, eating or drinking or can keep a reasonable distance from others.
“Scientific data says that face coverings are a simple and effective way of preventing transmission. Many members of our university community are already wearing them indoors, and we thank them for doing this. We realise there is currently no legal requirement to wear a face covering but are confident that now is the time to introduce this local institutional requirement.
“Students have made it very clear how much they value their in-person on-campus teaching. By acting now, we will increase the likelihood that we can continue this key element of the Bristol experience during the difficult winter months ahead.”
Main photo by Martin Booth
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