As we all know, there is general concern regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). With new information about the outbreak becoming available each day, it’s natural to feel nervous about the situation. During this difficult time, it’s important that we at NSCAD all continue to support one another and obtain the latest information about COVID-19 from trusted sources.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to evaluate the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low in Canada, with the risk to public health reassessed as new information becomes available.
There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia and the risk remains low at this time.
We also want to remind everyone about the importance of washing our hands regularly during this time, and we recommend the use of hand sanitizer as an extra source of protection. You can find hand sanitizer stations through all three of NSCAD’s campuses.
As a precaution, NSCAD is not considering requests for use of space by external partners for the near future.
For all the latest public health updates related to COVID-19, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website. More information about health precautions and updates regarding COVID-19 is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness at novascotia.ca/coronavirus/.
Travel advisories
The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued some travel warnings for people traveling outside of Canada during this time. Travel warnings fluctuate depending on your destination, however there are currently travel health notices for China, Northern Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan.
The COVID-19 outbreak has revealed how important it is for NSCAD to collect information about community travel in order to support public health objectives. Accordingly, the crisis management team has prepared an international travel policy and a digital form, which will be launched shortly.
The latest information on all travel health notices issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada can be found here.
The Public Health Agency suggests that all travellers monitor their health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for 14 days after arriving in Canada. If you have these symptoms, call the public health authority in Nova Scotia at 811 to inform them. They will provide advice on what you should do next.
NSCAD will continue working closely with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness and the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure new information is communicated with students, faculty and staff in a timely and clear manner. Please be assured that we are actively monitoring all developments and will continue to keep the NSCAD community up-to-date on the latest news regarding COVID-19.
The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority, and we will continue to make information related to COVID-19 available to you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ann Barbara
Vice President (Academic and Research)
NSCAD University
