Dear members of our campus community:

While we have been very diligent in taking health and safety measures, Acadia University is not immune to COVID-19. Today, January 10, 2021, the University became aware that a campus community member tested positive for COVID-19. The case is related to travel, and a student has been quarantining (self-isolating) as required in residence. The student has not experienced symptoms, and we are grateful to them for following health advice for testing and quarantine. Nova Scotia Public Health is monitoring the situation.

When an individual is diagnosed with COVID-19, Nova Scotia Public Health determines who they may have had close contact with and provides guidance to those individuals. Contact tracing is vital to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The University will provide help to the individual, and we wish them good health. We also want to reassure them that their privacy will be respected.

This development is a reminder that COVID-19 continues to have an impact on our daily lives. The onus is on each of us to do what we can to protect ourselves and others. Please stay safe and healthy, and follow the best practices that health experts continue to stress during the pandemic.

Acadia is already following intensive cleaning measures throughout campus. However, a positive test result may require an additional disinfection process. If that is the case, you will be notified of temporary building restrictions directly or through campus signage. Please respect those directions. If these measures disrupt your access to class or work, please contact your professor or supervisor for the next steps.

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.

Sincerely,

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

and

Dr. Dale Keefe
Provost and Vice-President, Academic