Dear King’s community,
Following the advice of King’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee (OH&S), as of August 25, when ‘early arrival’ students begin their return to campus, we will again require three-ply masks in all indoor common spaces on the King’s campus. A supply of masks will be available at reception in the A&A.
This mask mandate will be in effect until at least September 18. Prior to that date, the OH&S Committee will reconvene to assess the situation on campus and advise if the mandate should be lifted or maintained. We are committed to reviewing this policy on a regular basis.
We are mindful that the ‘new normal’ includes new variants and more Covid cases. The usual increase in our population at the start of the fall semester will heighten the associated risks. As we begin a new term, taking appropriate steps to support our collective health and wellness—including mask wearing—will be especially important as there are those among us who are at higher risk and remain vulnerable.
We also encourage you to get vaccinated if you have not already done so and to get boosted as soon as boosters become available to you. For the latest information and instruction on these topics, please visit the Nova Scotia Health website.
If you feel unwell with symptoms of Covid-19, we ask you to get tested and stay at home. Please do not attend classes or work on campus until your symptoms improve. Self-isolation is recommended by Public Health, and we continue to ask our community members to do their part to avoid spreading Covid-19 and other illnesses on campus.
More King’s safety planning details for faculty and staff, off-campus students and students in residence will be communicated in the coming days and weeks, but we wanted to advise you of the decision we’ve made to return to a mask mandate later this month and into the beginning of term. And you can always find Covid updates on the King’s website. Dalhousie’s announcements for Covid safety measures on its campus will be shared with you as they become available and are also available on their website.
Throughout the pandemic, considerable collective and individual efforts have been made in the name of community health and safety. Let’s continue to look out for each other.
Sincerely,
Sarah Clift
Vice President
