The University of Lincoln has announced new measures regarding face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus.
University policy says that “the university requires all staff and students to wear visors (or face coverings) during face-to-face taught sessions”.
Some students, such as those who are hard of hearing, prone to panic attacks or struggling with social anxiety, have expressed anxiety about the new rules.
Alecia Hammersley, a Criminology student, suffers from social anxiety. As restrictions are introduced on campus, she hopes the university will promote “see-through and plastic masks for those with hearing issues and social anxiety”.
New students joining the university are also likely to feel anxious in their new surroundings. “If people are still able to smile and show general friendliness to each other through masks, it will help with settling into the university and the city,” Miss Hammersley said.
“I myself, as a returning student, have found it quite hard to pick up on people’s body language so I am sure it will be unnerving for new students to settle into lectures and seminars,” she added.
Social distancing and face coverings have become the norm, but hard of hearing students have voiced concerns about being able to understand each other.
“It wasn’t until the requirement of face masks that I discovered how much I rely on lip-reading to digest and process what people are actually saying to me,” said Faith Jones, a third-year Psychology student.
Body language and sound ultimately become harder to gauge when a person’s face is covered and they are socially distanced.
In response to students’ concerns, the university clarified exemptions. The regulations say: “You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to.”
This includes physical or mental illness or impairment, respiratory conditions and if the use of a face mask will cause severe distress, among other reasons.
Face masks are also not required whilst eating or drinking in designated areas.
In the event of self-isolation, the university has also designated smaller groups within student modules, to minimise the chances of larger groups needing to isolate themselves.
Students will also be taught using a ‘blended’ learning approach, to decrease the amount of students on campus at any one time.
“I am hoping everyone follows the guidelines set out by the university if they are able to, as I become anxious for my own safety and others around me if I see people ignoring restrictions,” Miss Hammersley said.