The wearing of masks will be required in the following indoor areas:

• all classrooms, labs, and other learning spaces, including academic sections of the Athletics Complex
• the Vaughan Memorial Library (except for study spaces once seated)
• common areas (except residences, study spaces, and the Students’ Union Building – see below) such as hallways and elevators
• service area waiting rooms like the Health, Counselling, Accessible Learning, and Residence Life offices

We also recommend that students, faculty, and staff check ahead when attending other areas on campus for specific mask requirements.

Instructors and student presenters can choose to remove masks while presenting in class, provided they can maintain a safe physical distance of two metres.

In specific learning environments, such as some music settings, where it is necessary to remove masks to learn, masks may be removed with the permission of the instructor.

In a class or lab setting, masks can be lowered briefly when taking a drink or eating when the instructor permits.

In all other indoor areas on campus, wearing a mask will remain voluntary but strongly recommended in keeping with the recommendations of Nova Scotia Public Health. This includes study spaces, where wearing masks is strongly recommended when participants cannot physically distance themselves. 

Masks will not be required in the Athletics Complex, but in keeping with Public Health guidance, you are strongly advised to wear a mask when visiting or using the Athletics Complex and attending sports events.

Masks wearing will not be required for residences, Wheelock Dining Hall, or the Students’ Union Building. However, in keeping with Public Health guidance, it is strongly recommended you wear a mask in common areas such as hallways, lobbies, and lounges, and when getting food at the dining hall, especially when physical distancing is not possible.

Generally, mask wearing is not required in individual or shared employee workspaces other than those covered by the restrictions above. Some requirements may be put in place where there is a high volume of people and physical distancing is impossible.  

Nova Scotia Public Health recommends wearing either a respirator (such as a KN95 or N95), a medical/surgical mask, or a non-medical three-ply mask (two fabric layers with a central replaceable filter layer). The respirator type of mask provides more protection to the wearer.

In all cases, masks should be well-fitting around your face, cover your mouth and nose, and be comfortable so that you are not constantly adjusting them.

Vaccination is your best protection from experiencing severe symptoms from COVID-19 and its variants. Acadia is fortunate that last year our students and employees took advantage of vaccination opportunities, and over 99% of our campus community was fully vaccinated. 

Although proof of vaccination is not required to attend campus this fall, in keeping with Public Health guidance, you are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Today, being fully vaccinated includes all boosters you are eligible to receive – typically, this is two primary doses and a third booster dose. Later this fall, Nova Scotia Public Health will provide further information on the availability of a fourth booster shot.

• When in Nova Scotia, you can book a vaccination appointment with Nova Scotia Public Health
• You can check for eligibility and book an additional booster shot with Nova Scotia Public Health
• If you live elsewhere in Canada, visit Public Health Canada to learn where to get a vaccine in each province

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should not come to campus or leave your residence room, even if you have tested negative on a rapid test (often, positive results do not occur until a few days after symptoms occur).

If you test positive for COVID-19, please complete the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Report and Support Screening form. You should also contact your instructor or supervisor to plan for your absence.

Be sure you know the symptoms of COVID-19, testing, and how to isolate

Please be a courteous member of the community by following the masking requirements, and do not force others to ask you to comply. When meeting with someone in their office or a shared space, ask them if they would prefer you to wear a mask and respect their wishes. Wear a mask where physical distancing is impossible. Please do not criticize or comment negatively about someone who chooses to wear a mask in areas where it is voluntary, indoors or outdoors.

Mask wearing is welcome, and we encourage you to wear a mask on campus.