On Campus

Eating is permitted across campus except for in specific areas, such as instructional spaces, libraries, and some communal spaces. However, community members should limit their time with their masks off and keep proper distance from others. See general guidelines of eating on campus below. 

Please refer to the Hospitality Services website for hours of operation.  

Based on provincial guidance and campus safety measures outlined by McMaster’s Environmental & Occupational Health Support Services (EOHSS), students, faculty and staff members are asked to adhere to the following general guidelines for eating on campus: 

• Limit the amount of time in these eating spaces and immediately replace your mask when not in the act of eating  
• If you are not eating, the library is a better space for studying, where masks are required  
• A minimum of 2m distancing, distance more if you can  
• Large rooms and spaces are better, with as much distancing as possible
• Wash or disinfect hands before/after eating or drinking  
• Clean tables, microwaves, and other commonly handled items before/after use  
• Dispose of garbage  
• Masks can be removed indoors only for eating or drinking 

Physical distancing is no longer mandatory in university settings with the exception of eating/drinking. Where masks are removed for eating/drinking in work spaces such as meeting rooms, shared offices and lounges, physical distancing must be maintained.

Physical distancing is not required during eating/drinking in discretional spaces such as restaurants, eateries and at catered events.

Individuals with offices or private workstations may close their doors to remove their masks and eat/drink.  

Many faculty and staff members and student employees share open workspaces. These individuals may briefly remove their masks to eat/drink at their desks, following these guidelines:  

• You must be physically distant— at least two (2) metres apart from your peers/colleagues or be separated by a physical barrier. 
• Individuals can briefly pull down their mask to take a sip of a beverage (i.e. water, coffee/tea, juice) at their desk.  
• Individuals should take turns or rotate eating a snack/meal so ideally all are masked and distanced except the person eating. If possible, designate a meeting room or space where individuals can go to eat.  

Please be considerate and rotate eating times to ensure everyone in your workspace is masked whenever possible.  

Eating is not permitted at this time in instructional spaces. You may bring a beverage (coffee, tea, water, juice) to these spaces to take a quick sip and only removing your mask briefly to do so. Follow eating and drinking guidelines of your particular meeting room as this varies across campus locations.

In-person meetings are permitted, following guidelines for meetings, including masking and physical distancing. 

• In-person meetings on campus may be scheduled where possible to achieve physical distancing and a reasonable attempt should be made to accommodate attendees who work remotely.  
• Physical distancing (always keep a minimum distance of 6 feet(2m) from others) should be maintained when on campus in meeting space. 
• Eating is not permitted at this time in instructional spaces, but you may bring water/coffee/tea/juice and lower your mask to take a sip. 
• Follow eating policy for the given meeting room you are in as this varies across campus spaces.

The following steps should help you prepare for a meeting that is best held in-person, online or hybrid: 

• Identify if meeting can appropriately be completed virtually, or if an in-person meeting is necessary.  
• Confirm the maximum occupancy of the meeting space that can support physical distancing. 
• Implement the use of technology for hybrid meeting arrangements to support individuals attending virtually. 
• Resources to support your hybrid meeting planning are available here. 

Click the button below for a guide to help you decide whether your meeting should be in-person, online or hybrid.  

WHAT KIND OF MEETING SHOULD THIS BE?

• Record the names of all in-person attendees.  
• Wear a mask in all indoor spaces and practice physical distancing.  
• Prior to beginning the meeting, use alcohol wipes provided to sanitize high touch surfaces (i.e. doorknobs, desktop, etc.) and shared equipment, and dispose of wipes. 
• Avoid touching face, eyes and mouth.  
• Avoid eating/drinking in meeting spaces. Where drinking is permitted for hydration, physical distancing must be maintained at all times when individuals remove masks. Masks must immediately be replaced after sipping of beverages.  
• After leaving meeting space, immediately proceed to the nearest sink with soap and water, and thoroughly wash hands or use hand sanitizer.  

Please see parking options for spring/summer 2022 on the Parking Services website. 

We’re asking leaders to be inclusive and to prioritize flexibility for their teams when a return or partial return to working onsite is identified. This could include different start/end times to support new circumstances, such as a modified public transit schedule, that individuals may experience since the pandemic began.

The front of the Main Store (GH B101) has reopened for in-person shopping. Visit the Campus Store website for more information.