COVID‑19 information and updates

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Health & safety resources

Henry Hicks Building in the fall

Updates

We're committed to keeping our community updated with the latest information as it relates to instruction and campus operation during COVID-19. Read the latest updates here.

Let's do our part to keep our community healthy

In this together: Be aware, be safe, be considerate.


Dalhousie’s safety plan for the fall and our return to campus is focused on providing multiple layers of protection — layers that, combined with province-led vaccination, will help protect our Dal community and allow us to return to in-person activities.

It’s a plan that builds on what we’ve learned through our highly successful approach to on-campus work and learning this past year. Our plan will continue to evolve based on the latest public and occupational health guidance for COVID-19 in Nova Scotia.

Here are a few examples of the layers of protection we expect will be in place for the fall:

  • Masks recommended based on the size and occupancy of classrooms/common areas
  • Physical distancing at a reduced level (1 metre where practical)
  • Daily COVID-19 self-screening check-in using the DalSAFE mobile app
  • On-campus asymptomatic testing
  • Regularly scheduled cleaning and disinfection
  • Ventilation reviews and upgrades across campus

Review a summary of our plan for the fall here. [PDF - 111 kb]

NEW: On-campus rapid testing now available by appointment for faculty, staff and students. Learn more.

Mask

Wear a mask

Wear your mask in all indoor common spaces.
Testing

Get tested

Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can help keep people safe by getting tested regularly. Learn about on-campus testing.
Group

Limit gatherings

Keep your social group small and consistent and follow provincial gathering rules.
 
Distance

Keep your distance

Stay 2 metres (6 feet) from others.
Hands

Wash your hands

Regularly wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

 
Temperature

Check yourself

Stay home if you feel sick, follow provincial testing protocols if showing symptoms of COVID-19, and self-isolate if required.

Visiting campus

If you’re spending time on campus, you’ll see some changes as we work to ensure the continued health and safety of everyone who studies and works at Dalhousie.

  • Everyone is expected to maintain a safe physical distance of two metres (or six feet) at all times. 
  • You’ll find directional arrows and one-way signage in many hallways, stairwells and corridors, and some services will be delivered through a physical barrier (such as a plexiglass divider).
  • You’ll be required to wear non-medical masks or face coverings (such as cloth or disposable masks) in indoor common spaces. This includes public spaces like buildings, libraries, dining areas, residences, hallways, stairwells, elevators and common study areas. 
  • You’ll see our Custodial Services team ensuring frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces in common building areas, including doorknobs, light switches, handrails, bathrooms and more.

Return to campus safety resources

Before returning to or visiting Dalhousie, please consult the following safety resources:

Masks

Aligned with the Province of Nova Scotia’s directive, Dalhousie University is requiring the use of non-medical masks or face coverings in all indoor common spaces on our campuses as a public health measure to help keep our community safe and limit the potential spread of COVID-19.

What is a non-medical mask?

A non-medical mask, or face covering, is a mask that covers your mouth and nose. It can be made of cloth and should be at least two layers. 

When do I need to wear a mask?

  • Non-medical masks should be worn by all staff, faculty, students and visitors to campus who are travelling through or working/studying in any indoor common areas and public spaces including buildings, libraries, food establishments, residences, hallways, stairwells, elevators, and common study areas. 
  • Physical distancing (2 metres) must still be observed while wearing non-medical masks. 
  • Masks are also mandatory inside Dalplex, but patrons/members are not required to wear masks during their workout activity. 
  • You are free to remove your non-medical mask in personal, private workspaces where a distance of 2 metres can be observed, or within students’ private residence rooms. You may also remove your mask briefly while eating and drinking, providing you are stationary and observing a safe physical distance from others.  
  • Individuals are welcome to wear non-medical masks or face coverings in other spaces and settings (outdoors, etc.) should they wish to do so, as an added precaution to help keep others safe. 

Exceptions to these requirements can include individuals with valid medical reasons for being unable to wear a mask, those who are unable to remove a mask on their own, and children under the age of 2. 

When do I need to wear a rated medical mask?

  • When tasks must be completed within 2 metres (6 feet) of other personnel.
  • Where workplace hazards dictate rated medical masks as the appropriate PPE for the task.

Is Dalhousie providing masks?

Dalhousie is providing non-medical masks to help protect employees’ health, and those around them. The university’s front-line workers, who have been working on campus since the COVID-19 pandemic began, were each provided two masks in early September. The plan is to distribute masks to all faculty and staff in a phased approach, with a focus on those returning to campus this fall. If you are a Dalhousie employee and have not received a mask and require one, please contact accessible.employment@dal.ca. As part of the student orientation package, approximately 1,500 masks were provided to students. For more details read this Dal News story.

 

Dalhousie contact information

Please note: If you are concerned you have been exposed to, or may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please visit the Nova Scotia's Coronavirus (COVID-19): symptoms and testing page to complete a self-assessment.

  Health-related inquiries
 Travel-related inquiries
Dalhousie students Student Health and Wellness
902-494-2171 (Halifax)
902-893-6369 (Truro)		 International Centre
902-494-1566 (Halifax)
902-893-6672 (Truro)
international.centre@dal.ca
Dalhousie faculty and staff
 For information about COVID-19, call the Government of Canada COVID-19 information line at 1-833-784-4397, or

Employee Family and Assistance program
1-800-387-4765		 Human Resources
902-456-8784
hr@dal.ca



Other COVID resources

For more information, visit: