Updated Mask Policy

August 27, 2020

To All Faculty and Staff

Carleton has updated its Mask Policy to comply with the Mandatory Mask By-law adopted by the City of Ottawa and the recommendations of public health officials.

Using a mask complements, and does not replace, measures recommended by public health officials to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Working from home, maintaining physical distancing and hand hygiene remain the primary approaches to minimize the risk of virus transmission. All faculty and staff are required to read and familiarize themselves with the policy.

The updated policy requires:

Mask use in Enclosed Public Spaces: As required by the City of Ottawa By-law, wearing a non-medical mask is required by law (with limited exemptions) in all publicly accessible spaces within buildings for all members of the Carleton community and of the public.
Mask use in Non-Public Carleton Workspaces: Within non-publicly accessible Carleton workplaces (which are not subject to the By-Law) individuals present in Carleton workplaces are expected to use masks anytime a 2-metre physical distance cannot be consistently maintained, or when they are in common or shared spaces. Examples of such situations include common areas of offices, hallways, lobbies, elevators and high traffic areas.

Signage has been installed at building entrances to remind faculty, staff, students and any visitors or members of the public of the mask use requirement. Hand sanitizers are also being installed at the entrances to publicly accessible buildings. Carleton employees may gently and politely remind visitors and members of the public of the mask requirement when they enter publicly accessible areas and direct them to the appropriate signage. Any reminders should be made in good faith, be non-confrontational, and from an educational perspective. Concerns about improper mask usage can be brought to the attention of supervisors.

With the exception of the buildings listed below, access to buildings remains limited to authorized individuals (faculty, staff, students), and public access is restricted. At this time publicly accessible spaces currently include: