COVID-19 Information and Updates

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health emergency. COVID-19 (the illness caused by the coronavirus) is spreading rapidly, and anyone can be seriously affected; no one is immune.

Why is COVID-19 such a dangerous health risk?  Watch the coronavirus explained and see how easy and fast germs spread. Share these videos with your family, friends and colleagues.  

The health and safety of students, staff and faculty, and the public are the first priority in all of NSCAD University’s decisions and actions throughout all phases of the evolving pandemic.

All communications distributed by NSCAD supports our community in following direction from government and health authorities. Visit this page regularly for the latest information on any disruptions caused by the pandemic and how NSCAD is managing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Protecting yourself and others from COVID-19

The best way to protect yourself and others is to always practice social distancing, regardless of age, health and fitness levels, travel history or other risk factors. It’s important to remain calm, support each other, remember that no one is immune, and avoid behaviours that risk spreading the coronavirus.

Advice from government health agencies

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water.
• If a sink is not available, 60-90% alcohol-based hand rubs (hand sanitizer) can be used to clean hands if they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, you can use an alcohol-based disposable hand wipe to remove the dirt and then use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Do not touch your eyes/nose/mouth with unwashed hands.
• When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow, and then wash your hands.
• Avoid close contact with people and always practice social distancing.
• Stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others.
• If you are ill, have symptoms of flu like a fever or cough, you and everyone in your household should isolate in your home for 14 days.

Social distancing  

 What does it mean?

Social distancing means staying about 2 metres (6-7 feet) away from other people as much as possible. That’s the length of:

• two shopping carts end-to-end
• a car
• a dining table for six

How long will social distancing have to last?

The global reality for everyone is that it’s not going to be over anytime soon. There are many factors that will determine just how long it will take before daily routines start to seem normal again including:

• When Canadian cases finally reach their peak, start to taper off, and continue to decline. The number of true cases is not yet known given the limited available testing, and even after COVID-19 does peak, everyone will need to stay vigilant to keep the virus at bay and prevent new outbreaks.
• The unknown characteristics of COVID-19 and whether it wanes or grows with the change in seasons like the common flu.
• How much everyone is willing to do to stop the spread of the virus, and for how long they are willing to do it.

NSCAD’s response to COVID-19

COVID-19 is an international pandemic that must be taken very seriously. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to our campuses is our foremost priority.

Since February 10, 2020, NSCAD’s Crisis Management Committee has planned for, and responded to, the COVID-19 situation as it evolves, based on direction from NS Public Health, the Chief Medical Officer of NS, CONSUP, LAE and national authorities.

Visit our FAQs and COVID-19 news  archive to learn more about the steps NSCAD is taking during the COVID-19 pandemic

From the president

Dr. Aoife Mac Namara addresses faculty and staff on their collective effort to respond to the unprecedented disruptions caused by COVID-19 [click here for an ASL + closed caption version]

Do you have questions? Send them to communications@nscad.ca and we’ll post our response in the FAQs.