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Face Mask Policy

  • Related Documents:   Face Mask Procedure

  • Owner:  General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Governors; Provost and Vice-President, Academic; Vice-President, Administration and Operations;
  • Approver:  Office of the President
  • Approval Date(s):  July 2020, October 2021, June 1, 2022

I.   Introduction 

The Ontario Regulations under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 require businesses or organizations that are open to the public to ensure that no individual is permitted entry to or otherwise remains within any Enclosed Space (hereinafter defined) unless the individual is wearing a Mask or Face Covering (hereinafter defined).

II.   Purpose             

Toronto Metropolitan University (the "University") is committed to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of persons and the economic, social, and well-being of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic declared by the World Health Organization. As a part of its commitment, the University has adopted this policy to comply with provincial regulations and current public health recommendations to address the risks to health and safety posed by COVID-19 in an effective, efficient, and flexible manner.

III.   Application and Scope

The application of this Policy and associated procedures is suspended as of June 1, 2022 and remains suspended unless otherwise communicated by the University.

This Policy is not to be interpreted to conflict with or supersede any statutes, regulations, or orders applicable to the University.

IV.   Definitions

“Enclosed Space” means all indoor spaces on University Premises.

“Mask or Face Covering” means a medical or non-medical disposable or cloth mask, or face covering, that covers the nose, mouth, and chin without gaping, which should be made of at least two layers of tightly-woven fabric and a middle filter layer.

Outdoor Space” means any outdoor space on University Premises.

“University Premises” means any physical indoor space or outdoor grounds that are owned, leased, licensed, operated, or otherwise occupied by the University, but does not include premises leased or licensed to external parties for their exclusive use by the University.

V.    Policy

1.    Except as set out below, a Mask or Face Covering must be worn by an individual in a manner that covers their mouth, nose, and chin while in any Enclosed Space where the public is permitted entry to or otherwise remains (e.g. lobbies, elevators, hallways, common areas).

2.    Except as set out below, a Mask or Face Covering must be worn by an individual in a manner that covers their mouth, nose, and chin while in any non-public Enclosed Space, unless otherwise designated or prescribed by the University.

3.    Except as set out below, a Mask or Face Covering must be worn by an individual while in Outdoor Space when a physical distance of two metres from every other individual cannot be maintained.

4.    The following individuals are exempted from the requirements to wear a Mask or Face Covering on University Premises:

a.    children under two years of age;

b.    persons with an underlying medical condition that inhibits their ability to wear a Mask or Face Covering;

c.     persons who are unable to place or remove a Mask or Face Covering without the assistance of another person;

d.    persons who are reasonably accommodated by not wearing a Mask or Face Covering in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005; and

e.    persons who perform work for the University in areas that are designated for their individual use and are i) not accessible to members of the public, and ii) are not instructional spaces.

5.    An individual claiming an exemption to this Policy under one of the exemptions set out in section 4 is not required to provide any supporting documentation or other proof.

6.    An individual in an Enclosed Space may temporarily remove a Mask or Face Covering where necessary for the purpose of receiving services or as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety.

7.    An individual in an Enclosed Space may temporarily remove a Mask or Face Covering while actively engaging in athletic or fitness activities as directed by the Department of Athletics and Recreation.

8.    An individual in an Enclosed Space may temporarily remove a Mask or Face Covering while performing or rehearsing in a film or television production or in a concert, artistic event, theatrical performance or other performance as directed by the University.

9.    An individual in an Enclosed Space may temporarily remove a Mask or Face Covering where necessary to consume food or drink if such an individual is separated from every other person by a physical distance of at least two metres or an impermeable barrier (i.e. plexiglass).

10.   Subject to health and safety requirements, public health advice, and legal requirements that pertain to specific factual circumstances, the University may establish exceptions to the requirement to wear a Mask or Face Covering. 

VI.   Compliance

The University will manage compliance and enforcement of this Policy in accordance with existing processes in place. Students are subject to the Code of Non-Academic Conduct; faculty and unionized staff are subject to collective agreements and Human Resources processes, non-unionized staff are subject to Human Resources processes, contractors are subject to contracts, and visitors are subject to the authority of the senior university administrator host.

If at any time there are changes in the law, then the University shall review the Policy and amend the Policy as appropriate.