Wearing masks in class (college/uni)

[rainatnightlove]

I'm going back to college this year to study an access course (I'm 21).

I don't think it's mandatory but would it be unreasonable/weird/sensible to wear a mask during classes as we'll be in a confined space?

I'm planning on just taking it off at break/lunch to eat and drink and preferably doing that in an empty or outside space.

I've also bought a thermometer online so I'll have that handy to test my temperature.

Gosh it's so anxiety inducing for me! I have diagnosed ocd and panic attacks and it's my first year getting back into education after being unwell mentally for a few years! Typical luck that it has to be when Covid is happening!😩 (I also have emetophobia so that's worrying me too!)

Do what makes you comfortable to carry on with your life. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

Good luck !

I'm a university lecturer and we've been told to wear a mask and encourage our students to do so (but not enforce it if they refuse).

It would sensible, OP! Don't worry! Do what makes YOU feel safe and comfortable. Best of luck in your new academic year!

I work in a college and would have no problem with you wearing a mask.I wish more of my students would to be honest.
We are asking for them to be warn in corridors and communal spaces.
We also have machines at the doors to take temperature. I am not sure it is worth carrying one around, maybe just take your temp in the morning and again when you leave?

The college should tell you whether they require it. Afaik most do.

Just do what works for you to keep you safe and feeling ok

I would hate to have to sit in a lecture and wear a mask.

Thank you everyone! Glad that the general consensus is that it would be okay/good to wear one! I think I will do that. I have my induction on Monday so should find out more then.

Luckily my class is very small this year, only 10 students.

@BananaPop2020 Really? I don't think it's that difficult to be honest, especially since you're only sitting the whole time. I struggle wearing one and walking though!

@BananaPop2020

I would hate to have to sit in a lecture and wear a mask.

Better to sit there in mask then do it by yourself online with powerpoints and zoom calls

You have to find out from your college how they are handling things. Where I work once seated in a lecture you dont have to wear a mask as they have reduced capacity to allow 2m distance of seats. Masks make communication more difficult but you would be allowed to keep it on if you wanted to.

I would hate to wear one..it would be horribly distracting for me but I wouldn't care if a pupil (albeit a mature one) had one on provided he/she can communicate effectively. I struggle to hear people with them on so would not be able to hear what the wearer is saying if thee is any dialogue.

Dd has been told they are requested to wear masks if possible, the university medical practice will be issuing exemptions, no self bought lanyards or downloaded exemptions will apply. The lecturers have been issued with clear masks to ensure it doesn't disadvantage students. Many staff are 50+ even over 65 so compliance is being expected (not sure what they can legally do if someone refuses and the dr doesn't agree they should be exempt)

Oh I would definitely rather have to wear a mask and attend physical lectures than do it all by Zoom or whatever. I just hate the bloody things.