Message from the President – Mask Policy

Posted on Monday, July 6th, 2020

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Ottawa, Dr. Vera Etches, has issued the following directive to all employers and persons responsible for businesses or organizations within the City of Ottawa, effective July 7, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.:

“Every Operator of an Enclosed Public Space shall adopt a policy to ensure that no member of the public is permitted to enter or remain in the public areas of the Enclosed Public Space unless he or she is wearing a Mask in a manner that covers their nose, mouth and chin.”

Algonquin College is developing a policy surrounding the wearing of masks for all members of the College community that will reflect the detailed requirements of the order and the anticipated bylaw, expected to take effect on July 15, 2020.

In the interim, and effective immediately, all members of the College community (employees, students, contractors, visitors) at all campuses must wear a mask inside College buildings. For the time being, with the exception of personal offices, all internal spaces will be considered an “enclosed public space.”

“Mask” means: a cloth (non-medical) mask, medical mask or other face coverings, (e.g., bandana, a scarf or cloth), for filtering respiratory droplets and that securely covers the nose, mouth, and chin and is in contact with the surrounding face without gaps.

On the morning of Tuesday, July 7, 2020, Security employees located at the four entrances currently being used for access to the Ottawa Campus (ACCE Main West Entrance, A Building North Entrance, C Building Main Entrance and E Building – Student Commons Main Entrance) will remind incoming students and employees of the policy and provide disposable masks to any person who does not have a personal, non-medical mask to wear. Similar measures will be implemented at entrances currently in use at the Perth and Pembroke Campuses.

The Public Health Order includes some exceptions for:

• Individuals with medical conditions rendering them unable to safely wear a mask, including breathing difficulties or cognitive difficulties;

• Individuals who are unable to apply or remove a mask without assistance, including those who are accommodated under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or who have protections under the Ontario Human Rights Code;

If these exclusions apply to you, and should you be stopped by College officials and asked to wear a mask, please indicate your circumstances at that time. In the coming days, additional information will be provided surrounding the College’s interim policy.

Thank you for your attention to these requirements and for helping to ensure the safety and well-being of the College community.

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé

President and CEO

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