Establishment of Ritsumeikan University “Rules for Mask Wearing”
1. Purport of the proposal
As the fall semester starts, it is essential to balance between prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and resumption of education, research and student activities. Basic measures to prevent infection are (1) ensuring social distancing, (2) wearing a mask, (3) washing hands, and efforts to avoid the Three Cs (closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact settings) as outlined in the “New Lifestyle” recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).
Among these basic measures, it is very important to make sure that everyone wears a mask. The establishment of Rules for Mask Wearing will convey the message of how important mask wearing is and help raise awareness among students, faculty, and staff.
When faculty and campus staff members see a student or faculty/staff member having a conversation or a chat without wearing a mask on campus, they shall remind him/her to wear a mask as necessary based on these Rules.
We will explain the purport of these Rules to Student Union, Graduate Students Council, and other organizations and ask for their understanding and cooperation.
2. Effective period of the Rules for Mask Wearing
The Rules are effective from September 26, 2020 (the start of fall semester) for an undefined period (so long as deemed necessary).
When the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is declared or it is otherwise deemed no longer necessary to implement the current measures to prevent the spread of infection, we will consider abolishing the Rules.
3. Applicable scope and target of the Rules for Mask Wearing
The Rules apply within Ritsumeikan University campuses.
The Rules apply to the faculty, staff, college/graduate students, junior/senior high school students, and primary school students of the Ritsumeikan Trust as well as employees of associated companies (Co-op, Creotech, contractors, construction-related operators, etc.), visitors and stayers on campus.
* The campuses of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and other affiliated schools are not included in the applicable scope of these Rules. Whether similar rules will be established at affiliated schools will be considered and decided separately as needed.
4. Contents of the Rules
Ritsumeikan University Rules for Mask Wearing
September 16, 2020
Ritsumeikan University
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we agree on the Rules for Mask Wearing on Ritsumeikan University campuses as follows.
1. Effective period
The Rules for Mask Wearing are effective from September 26, 2020 for an undefined period.
2. Target
The Rules apply to the faculty, staff, and students (including graduate/undergraduate university students, junior and senior high school students, and primary school students) of the Ritsumeikan Trust as well as employees of associated companies (Co-op, Creotech, contractors, construction-related operators, etc.), visitors and stayers on campus.
3. Rules
(1) Wearing a mask is mandatory while commuting to and while staying on the campuses of Ritsumeikan University, except when eating, drinking or exercising and when wearing a mouth shield instead of a mask because you need to show the motion of your mouth in class or for other reasons
(2) It is essential that each one of us behaves responsibly “to avoid getting infected ourselves” and “not to transmit infection to others” as a means to protect ourselves, someone we love, and the society. Among the basic measures to prevent infection, it is very important to wear a mask to prevent droplet infection. We shall make sure everyone adheres to the Rules for Mask Wearing. Faculty or campus staff members may remind persons on campus to wear a mask as needed to seek understanding and cooperation of all people concerned.
＜Points to note＞
・Everyone shall bring their own mask as a basic rule, but if your mask has been damaged, polluted or lost after entering the campus, a new mask will be available at the College Administrative Offices and Manabi Stations.
・Some people have difficulty wearing a mask due to hypersensitivity or other reasons. Students who have difficulty wearing a mask shall consult the Office of Student Affairs. Depending on the situation, such students may be asked to carry a card noting the difficulty of wearing a mask, or to use a face shield or a fan-shaped mask, instead.
・Faculty or staff members who have difficulty wearing a mask are asked to notify your boss and contact the relevant division/office.
・We shall promote understanding among students, faculty and staff about the fact that wearing a mask can be difficult for some people due to various reasons.
