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COVID‑19 Info

COVID‑19 Info

COVID-19: Latest university updates

For more information on Dal's response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, please visit dal.ca/coronavirus.  

 

NOTE: Please visit the Dalhousie COVID-19 FAQ page for the latest information. These answers on that page are updated daily.

 

While the residence office is currently closed, our team is still here to help! For any residence-related inquiries, please email residence@dal.ca and we will respond as soon as we can.

 

Update on the status of residence room offers

An update was recently sent to students who have applied to live in residence for the 2020/21 Academic year.

Due to the unprecedented times in which we’re operating, the distribution of room offers has been delayed.

Dalhousie is continuing to work diligently through this period of uncertainty and we will take the time to ensure we get it right. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience. It is our hope that we will have more information to share in June regarding room assignments.

Please keep checking your Dal email regularly for official notifications from our office.

Thank you to those who applied to stay with us. If your plans have changed and you are looking to withdraw your application for residence, please let us know as soon as possible.

Please contact us by email if you have any questions:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will applicants receive a refund of their application fee for the fall semester?

Yes, if students wish to cancel their residence application for the fall semester, they will receive a refund for their application fee.

Can students who have already applied transfer their application to the winter semester to secure a spot?

Yes, residence applicants can transfer their application to the winter semester. However, decisions are still ongoing on what residence space will be available, so their first choice for buildings or rooms cannot be guaranteed at this time.

Can students who have not yet applied still apply for winter residence to make sure they get a spot?

Yes, students may apply for residence in the winter semester. Decisions are still ongoing on what residence space will be available, so their first choice for buildings or rooms cannot be guaranteed at this time. More information will become available in the coming days on the availability of residence space in the winter semester, so please check for updates.

Can students still live in residence for the fall semester if they want to move to Halifax, even if their classes are online?

We are currently working diligently to ensure the health and safety of our residence community, as this is our top priority. As such, we expect to have more information about residence availability for the fall semester in June. We thank you for your patience as we continue to work through this challenging time. Additional updates will be sent to applicants via their Dal email, posted on our website, and communicated via social media.

For students still living in residence

Tips to stay healthy

While you remain in residence, please follow these important safety protocols:

  • Maintain social distancing, which means staying at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) apart from others
  • No more than two riders in elevators at any time.
  • Do not congregate in rooms, lounges or other public areas with five or more people.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cough into your sleeve or tissue and discard immediately.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Please be assured that we are doing our best during these extraordinary times to provide clean, comfortable accommodations while protecting your health and the health of our entire community.

Dining Hall Changes

Dining Hall Locations

 

Halifax:
Currently, Risley Hall is the only dining hall open for to-go meals. You may choose from many of the normal stations for remaining residents on the Halifax campus. Please see below more detail on these offerings.

Any changes to this will be communicated via your Dal email, so please keep checking your Dal email account for updates.

Shirreff, Howe, and O'Brien dining halls are currently closed until further notice.

Truro:
Jenkins Hall in Truro is now closed until further notice.

Dining Hall Hours

Halifax campuses revised dining hall hours are as follows:

  • Breakfast: 8-10 a.m.
  • Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Dinner: 5-7 p.m.

Dining Halls Offering To-Go Service

After consultation with public health officials, those remaining in residence on the Halifax campus are able to go to food stations in Risley dining hall and have staff prepare a to-go meal for them based on their preferences and needs. For your safety and the safety of our staff, standard social distancing rules still apply. Please allow for 2 metres (6.5ft) between yourself and all other students and staff members.

Many menu options will be available for residents, including a daily soup feature, popular grill options, hot entrees, salad and deli sandwich options, as well as desserts and beverages. At breakfast, you can expect a full range of hot and cold breakfast items.

 

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, dining room seating remains closed.  

Residence Changes

Residence Buildings

 

Halifax:

All residents are now in Risley Hall. Other buildings are currently closed until further notice. 

Truro:

All residents are now in Fraser House. Other buildings are currently closed until further notice. 

 

Shared Laundry Guidelines

The virus that causes COVID-19 can live for hours to days on hard surfaces, so laundry machines, countertops, and furniture need to be sanitized frequently.

Below are some tips to ensure you keep yourself and others safe as you use the shared laundry rooms in residence.

DOS:

  • Wash your hands before and after.
  • Wipe down controls and handles before and after use
  • Dry items at the highest temperature possible and dry completely.
  • Wash with HE soap and the warmest water possible. Do not overload the machine.
  • Disinfect your hamper before filling it with clean clothes.
  • Keep a 2m (6 ft) distance from others.

DON’TS

  • Don’t shake dirty laundry before putting it in the machine.
  • Don’t leave soiled clothing or baskets on top of the machines or tables.
  • Don’t leave cleaning residues (like bleach) that could damage other people’s clothing.
  • Don’t leave dryer door open when not in use.
  • Don’t forget to wash your hands!

 

Rules for Kitchen Use

For the health and safety of our residents and staff, please follow these rules for using kitchens in residence:

  • ONE person in a kitchen at any time.
  • Wipe down surfaces before and after use.
  • Whenever possible, store food in your room.
  • Limit and label items in the fridge.
  • Clean and remove dishes after every use.
  • Turn off oven and stove after use.

 

Visitors and Guests

Due to the extraordinary circumstances, no visitors or guests are allowed at any time in residences until further notice. Signs have been posted on exterior doors to inform visitors that they are unable to enter. This is to ensure the health and safety of our residents who remain on campus.

 

Elevators

To ensure safe social distancing, elevators are limited to two riders at any given time.

 

What to do if you feel unwell

If you are feeling unwell, please isolate yourself from others immediately and contact the health resource listed below for more information and assessment.

Students:

Please contact the Student Health & Wellness Centre.

902.494.2171

You must contact them BEFORE entering the centre. No walk-ins will be accepted.

For after-hours help, please call 811. For emergencies at any time, call Dal Security at 902.494.6400.

Staff:

Visit when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca and follow the instructions provided. Inform your supervisor as soon as possible.