The Government of Nova Scotia plans to enter Phase 5 of its pandemic reopening plan on Monday, October 4, 2021. In keeping with our safety-first approach, Acadia will maintain many of our health and safety protocols until (at least) the end of term. As has been our practice, we will continue to monitor epidemiological, health, and safety developments and will revise campus protocols accordingly in response.

Please note the following updates to our pandemic protocols that will go into effect when Nova Scotia enters Phase 5:

Personal Responsibility for Safe COVID-19 Living

• All current face mask, hand-washing, and physical distancing requirements remain in effect.
• Full vaccination by all students, staff, and members of faculty is strongly encouraged and expected.
• All members of the campus community are urged to “know their status,” meaning individuals are expected to participate in Acadia’s on-campus asymptomatic rapid testing program (weekly for vaccinated and twice weekly for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated) and to seek symptomatic PCR testing as required.

Events

Departments are permitted to resume on-campus events with conditions, including:

• A detailed plan demonstrating how the event will be managed and controlled in compliance with all University policies must be submitted and pre-approved by Greg Deveau, Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator, in advance of the event date.
• If non-campus invitees (those who are not typically Acadia students, employees, or contractors) attend an on-campus event, all event attendees, including students and employees other than those specifically assigned work-related duties by the event sponsor, will be required to show proof of full vaccination.
• Non-campus attendees may attend by invitation only.
• All non-campus invitees must be pre-registered or register at the door upon arrival.
• Modified catering services will resume for approved events. Chartwells will provide guidance and advice on a case-by-case basis.

Essential Travel

Pre-approved out-of-province travel for University business can resume, with conditions. Travellers must:

• Seek prior approval to travel from their Manager/Director/Head.
• Provide proof of full vaccination to their Manager/Director/Head.
• Commit to following all provincial, national, and international travel requirements.
• Provide their Manager/Director/Head with two negative rapid COVID-19 test results, one within 48 hours and a second within a week of return (or a negative result of a PCR test if this is required by the travel circumstance).

Sports

Members of the public will be permitted to attend athletic events, with conditions:

• All fans/guests/invitees must provide proof of full vaccination.
• Masks are required at all times at indoor sports events. Fans may only remove masks indoors to eat or drink while seated.
• Masks are not required at outdoor sports events but must be worn by fans when moving through indoor spaces (entrances, hallways, washrooms, concessions, etc.).
• Modified catering at games will be provided. Food and beverages may only be consumed while seated. Chartwells will provide guidance and advice.

Thank you for helping our community live safely with COVID-19.

C. Dale Keefe, PhD
Provost & Vice-President, Academic

Christopher Callbeck, CPA, CA
Vice-President, Finance & Administration and CFO