Acadia University will extend its current health and safety protocols regarding COVID-19 and its variants throughout the winter term. That means masks will continue to be required in all indoor classrooms, labs, and instructional spaces.

While masks are welcome on campus and strongly recommended, masking will no longer be required in public areas in academic buildings.

The University will continue enhanced cleaning and air quality measures and follow the extended masking protocol until the end of its winter term.

“We know that we cannot maintain a mask mandate indefinitely, and we must learn to live with COVID-19 as one of many viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses,” Chris Callbeck, Acadia’s Vice-President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, said in a December 16 message to campus.

The University anticipates dropping the mask mandate after April 30, 2023, unless there is a significant change in epidemiology and public health advice demands otherwise.

Those with any symptoms of COVID-19 or other seasonal illnesses are strongly urged to stay at home, but if unable to do so, are asked to wear masks and follow all public health directives and recommendations while moving around campus.

“It is important to protect yourself and others as we continue dealing with the pandemic’s impacts,” Callbeck said.

Acadia reached this decision after consulting with public health officials, other universities, and Acadia’s Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee.

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