Face-coverings on campus and exemption cards

Please be aware that this information was shared with students by email and correct at the time of sending. For the latest Covid-19 guidance, please visit our coronavirus webpages: www.wlv.ac.uk/coronavirus. If you are a student who has a query or needs support, please log a helpcall with ASK@WLV in e:Vision (www.wlv.ac.uk/evision).

The government announced that from Thursday, 20 January, face coverings are no longer being advised in classrooms for both staff and students. However, they should continue to be worn in communal areas.  

We encourage all students, staff, and visitors to wear a face-covering when on campus. This includes communal areas and when moving around in teaching and office spaces.  

We expect students and staff to support the wellbeing of each other and the wider University community. We must be mindful that some people will feel anxious about being on campus and around others. Face coverings are reported to reduce the dispersion of expiratory droplets, meaning if you're carrying the virus, you're less likely to spread it when you talk or exhale. 

We understand that not everyone can wear a face-covering for medical reasons, but if you can, then you must do so to help protect others. Exemption cards are now also available for collection on campus.  

Collect a face-covering exemption card 

Where required, such as in communal areas on campus, students and staff must wear a face mask, but some people will be exempt. This might be because: 

• You're not able to put on, wear or remove a face mask because of a physical or mental health condition, impairment or disability. 
• Wearing a face mask would cause you severe distress or difficulty. 
• You're speaking to or aiding someone who relies upon lip-reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate, e.g. a sign-language interpreter. 

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law. 

On University premises, exempt individuals are encouraged to display proof of exemption to avoid being challenged by colleagues or students concerned that they are not wearing a face covering.  

Exemption cards are available to collect for those who are unable to wear face coverings: 

• City Campus: Wulfruna Building reception, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. 
• Walsall Campus: Jerome K Jerome Building facilities desk/post room, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. 
• Telford Campus: Angad Paul Building reception, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. 

Widely-recognised indicators of exemption, e.g. the sunflower symbol promoted by Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Limited, are also recognised by the University.