Dear colleagues and students,

Today, the Nova Scotia government has announced 37 new COVID-19 cases, including a confirmed case in a nearby high school and a rapid increase of confirmed cases in the Central Zone, Northern Zone, and some Western Zone areas due to community spread.

Public health authorities have announced new strict gathering restrictions and the temporary closure of restaurants, gyms, and libraries in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). There are also increased fines for COVID-19 infractions.

Public health also introduced a new testing protocol for anyone who works in a licensed establishment or went to a bar or restaurant in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) after 10 p.m. in the last two weeks should book a COVID-19 test, even if you don't have symptoms.

Please follow the directions of Public Health.

What this means to you

As the confirmed number of cases increases in Nova Scotia, Acadia is reinforcing public health recommendations for individuals to postpone all non-essential travel, particularly to and from the HRM and cease unauthorized gatherings that exceed public health recommendations immediately.

With COVID-19 spreading, it is time to double down on our commitment to safety.

Essential steps for health and safety

• Practice hand hygiene frequently and thoroughly.

• Practice physical distancing of two metres (six feet). If you have been complacent about this, please start today.

• Follow our mask policy. This simple act will help protect you and others from the COVID-19 virus. As a courtesy and extra safety measure, you are encouraged to wear your mask routinely, even when you're not technically required to do so.

• Perform a daily symptom check and stay away from campus (or remain in your residence room) if you feel unwell. Visit Nova Scotia's 811 information site for directions on symptoms and procedures.

• Use the contact tracing boxes located at most building entrances. Tap your Acadia ID card until you hear a beep or see the light blink as you enter a building. Sign in when you attend class and keep a record of your daily whereabouts. These steps will help public health officials inform close contacts of exposure to an individual with COVID-19.

• Avoid non-essential travel.

• Visit Acadia's COVID-19 information website for the latest Provincial Notices and Campus Status Updates.

When COVID-19 cases happen here

The University will report confirmed COVID-19 cases and exposure risks on campus promptly to students, faculty, and staff via a Campus News email or Acadia ALERT. You can also review on-campus confirmed case numbers on our website. Currently, there are zero confirmed cases on campus.

If you want more information, review our COVID-19 information website or contact our occupational nurse Caroliina Landry at caroliina.landry@acadiau.ca.

If you choose to travel

While travel is not recommended during the pandemic, it is recognized that individuals will choose to be with family over the holidays.

You are strongly encouraged to check current travel advice and restrictions at your destination before you go and follow all local public health guidance.

Those who are required to quarantine (self-isolate) on your return to Wolfville, please inform yourself of any updated public health guidelines. Quarantine (self-isolation) options are available to both on-campus and off-campus students through Residence Life.

The Winter semester is coming

Our campus community's health, safety, and wellbeing continue to guide Acadia's response to the global pandemic.

We anticipate remaining in Phase 4 of our Return to Campus Safely Plan during the Winter semester. Faculty and staff members currently working from home will continue to do so, and exemptions approved in the Fall will continue. Our remote work plan will be revisited by University leaders as needed.

Now is the time for each of us to take responsibility for our wellbeing, be careful and cautious, and step-up our practice of required safety protocols.

Thank you for your attention and your vigilance,

Dr. Dale Keefe
Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Chris Callbeck,
Vice-President, Finance and Administration
Chief Financial Officer