Acadia University was advised late Friday, December 10, of a positive case of COVID-19. The individual lives off campus but was at Acadia on December 5, 6, and 7. We thank the student, who is fully vaccinated, for following public health protocols and wish them good health. Already, their symptoms are showing signs of improvement.

Nova Scotia's Public Health Authority has interviewed the individual and will manage contact tracing. Acadia is working closely with Public Health to protect the health and wellbeing of our community.

Anyone who may have been in immediate proximity with the student will be advised, tested, and provided self-isolation instructions. Students can contact Safety and Security for assistance to self-isolate security.office@acadiau.ca.

Because of an unfolding outbreak at Saint Francis Xavier University, Public Health has implemented a new policy that requires anyone considered a close contact of an individual with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis to isolate until they have a negative result from a lab-based (PCR) test.

Fortunately, Acadia has extensive safety measures in place and the risk to others is considered minimal at this time because of our campus COVID-19 protocols.

Pop-up testing available today

With assistance from Public Health, Acadia has organized a pop-up rapid testing clinic for its campus community. The clinic will run from noon until 5 p.m. in the McKeen Room in the Acadia Students’ Union Building.

• Please bring your Acadia ID card with you.
• You will receive your results through text message within 30 minutes, and you do not have to wait at the clinic during this time. An alternate method is available for those without the ability to text.
• If you have accessibility or mobility concerns about entering this location, please contact Occupational Health Nurse (caroliina.landry@acadiau.ca) with the timeframe of your arrival to make alternate arrangements.
• If you test positive, you will be required to book a PCR test, and you will receive a phone call from our Occupational Health Nurse who can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have. Your results will remain confidential.

Testing is only available for members of the Acadia campus (students, faculty, staff, and campus employees of Chartwells/Sodexo).

Events on campus

There is no Public Health requirement to cancel events currently. However, out of an abundance of caution, Acadia Alumni has cancelled its Holiday Carol Sing events scheduled for Sunday, December 12.

The public is encouraged to use their own discretion and check ahead with the organizers of other events or activities scheduled on campus.

Exams continue

Acadia’s exam schedule can continue with all existing COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19

Successfully preventing the spread of COVID-19 depends on every Acadia student and employee following the health and safety guidelines and directives put in place by both the University and Public Health.

Now more than ever, each of us must act with vigilance to protect ourselves and others. The campus remains closed to the general public. Do not invite guests to campus under any circumstances, and please:

• do not gather in groups unnecessarily
• perform a daily symptom check and stay home or remain in residence rooms if you feel unwell and visit Nova Scotia's 811 website for information about symptoms and procedures
• frequently and thoroughly wash or sanitize your hands
• maintain physical distancing of one metre (three feet)
• wear your mask
• keep a record of your whereabouts

You can find out more information about COVID-19 from the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada websites. Acadia will also post the latest updates and links to support resources on our COVID-19 information website, including Cases on Campus. Please contact our Occupational Health Nurse at caroliina.landry@acadiau.ca if you require further direction or clarification.

Sincerely,

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