COVID-19 Information and Updates

Frequently Asked Questions

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing, global public health emergency.  

The health and safety of students, staff and faculty, and the public are the first priority for NSCAD University’s decisions and actions throughout all phases of the pandemic. All communications distributed by NSCAD work to support our community and follow direction from government and health authorities. Visit this page regularly for updates on NSCAD’s response to the pandemic.

As we prepare to welcome new and returning students to NSCAD’s Fall 2020 semester, we remind everyone that our campus operations and course delivery will look different this year to meet the requirements of public health directives.

In particular, it is extremely important that students coming to Nova Scotia from outside Atlantic Canada:

• complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in online form before arriving
• self-isolate for 14-days after arriving

Details are included through the following links.

Nova Scotia’s Fact Sheet for University Students

Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Testing for University Students

Nova Scotia’s FAQs for University Students

Protecting yourself and others from COVID-19

Following the new Province of Nova Scotia directive effective July 31, NSCAD requires the use of non-medical masks or face coverings in all indoor common spaces on our campuses to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

In addition to wearing a mask, 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, and remember that no one is immune.

Here’s what you can do to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19:

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water  or a 60-90% alcohol-based hand hand sanitizer
• 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 must self-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, which is:

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

How long will social distancing 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.

Currently there are no vaccines to protect you against COVID-19, and the characteristics of the coronavirus make it very different from the common flu virus.

Following social distancing guidelines and maintaining healthy habits are necessary steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. NS Public Health Authority will direct and adapt social distancing guidelines for everyone in the province; how long they will have to follow these guidelines largely depends on much everyone is willing to do to stop the spread of the virus, and for how long they are willing to do it

Visit our COVID-19 FAQs and news  archive to learn more about the steps NSCAD is taking through all phases of the pandemic.

Since February 10, 2020, NSCAD’s Crisis Management Committee has planned for, and responded to, the pandemic as it evolves, following direction from Nova Scotia Public Health Authority and the province’s Chief Medical Officer, and Nova Scotia Labour and Advanced Education.

NSCAD’s COVID-19 Campus Response Plan

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