Acadia University will extend its current health and safety protocols regarding COVID-19 and its variants, which began on September 1, 2022.

Masks will continue to be required in all indoor classrooms, labs, instructional spaces, and high-traffic areas like hallways where physical distancing is not possible. Mask use is welcome on campus and strongly recommended in group study areas and gathering spaces where physical distancing is challenging.

The University will continue enhanced cleaning and air quality measures, and follow the masking protocol until the end of the fall term.

All Acadia’s campus community members are expected to stay home when sick.

The University reached this decision after reviewing current campus protocols and Public Health recommendations with campus stakeholders.

“This measure provides a layer of protection within our academic setting,” said Dr. Peter Ricketts, Acadia’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “While Public Health mandates have been lifted in many settings, and the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline, the prevalence of Omicron continues, and Public Health’s advice to mitigate risks remains. As we approach the flu season and an anticipated spike in COVID-19 cases, continuing our mask protocols at this time is Acadia’s way to do our part to lessen the current risks associated with COVID-19 in our classroom and lab settings.”

As it has throughout the pandemic, Acadia University is offering in-person learning experiences for its students during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Acadia University will continue to consult Nova Scotia Public Health recommendations and campus stakeholders to enhance COVID-19 health and safety measures as needed. A further review of Acadia’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols, including the use of masks, will be undertaken in the new year.

For more information, review the updates available on the COVID-19 information website.