Here’s all the latest UoB face mask rules on campus

Let’s face it, gone are the days of just having to remember your keys and student ID card when leaving the house – there’s now the added responsibility of face masks. Face coverings at UoB are important to remember as cases at UK universities are continuing to rise, with UoB reporting 307 cases among students in the week 30 September to 6 October.

It’s becoming the new kind of norm, with every person in Selly now being able to point out all the UoB students, in the swarm of UoB branded face-coverings on show.

But, this won’t be changing anytime soon. The university announced for face coverings to be worn in all buildings on campus (including teaching spaces), that’s right a face mask must be worn at all times when studying in the library. 

What does this mean for students like you and me?

Well, it is now an expectation for all students, unless exempt, to wear a face covering in seminars and within all buildings on campus – including the library.

The library also released a statement highlighting the other Covid-19 measures put in place. “Use the hand sanitiser at regular intervals within our libraries. Stations are available throughout the building. Clean your study desk before and after use using the wipes provided, and dispose of used wipes in the bins provided.”

The university issued a message to students on Twitter on the last Friday of September, asking “everyone to do their part in helping to keep our campus & our local community safe.”

In this, they stress for students to not only wear a mask, but also socialise sensibly, socially distance, wash hands and self-isolate and test if they get symptoms.

UoB also tweeted further restrictions, reminding students of the rule of six, and not mixing with any other households in the Birmingham area. However, universities are exempt from the rule of six only in educational settings and face masks must be worn.

But what if anything, is the punishment for not complying to these rules?

Well, in the COVID-19 and Community Conduct Commitment, the uni stated,  “where necessary, [we] will take appropriate and proportionate action against anyone found to be compromising the safety and wellbeing of others.” This includes the refusal to wear a face covering, unless exempt.

Under these regulations the university has the power to discipline students, which could lead to a suspension or withdrawal from the university entirely. So, your safe bet is to just quit the hassle and wear a face mask.

Guidance for test and trace on campus and advice for students at the university concerned with the current outbreak can be found here.

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•Every Brum student will be getting a UoB-branded face mask in September