MEMO TO RESIDENCE STUDENTS

From:              Linda Parker – Director, Residence & Conference Operations
                        Jeff Wilson – Director, Residence Life

Subject:           COVID-19 guidelines and supports for residence students

Dear students,

On August 11 an email was sent to all Dalhousie students outlining the COVID-19 procedures and protocols for the upcoming fall term. The important information below is specific to residence students.

Face masks in residence buildings

Please note that while face masks are required in all indoor classrooms and instructional spaces, as well as Student Health & Wellness (both Halifax and Truro), they are not mandatory in residence buildings at this time. However, wearing a mask in residence (and all other indoor spaces on campus) is strongly recommended and welcomed.

Please remember to always have a face mask with you when you leave your residence building to attend lectures, labs, and tutorials on campus.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive

• Stay home when sick and get tested. Don’t go to class — contact your instructor to ask about alternative arrangements for your coursework, tests, etc.
•  Email reslife@dal.ca (Halifax) or reslifeac@dal.ca (Truro) or speak to your Community Assistant (Halifax) or RA (Truro) to request a rapid antigen test.
• Please do not use common facilities in your residence building (laundry, kitchens, study spaces, etc.).
• Please do not invite guests to your room.
• If you have health questions or need medical support, please contact Student Health and Wellness in Halifax (902-494-2133) or Truro (902-893-6300). After office hours you can call 811 to have your questions answered.

Getting your meals while you're sick

If you are too ill or choose not to go to the dining hall:

• Ask a friend in residence to visit the dining hall with a copy of your Banner #. They must go to the dining hall checker to record your Banner # and to receive a disposable container to collect your meal. Please note that dining hall staff are not responsible for gathering your meal.
• Or email reslife@dal.ca (Halifax) or reslifeac@dal.ca (Truro) or speak to your Community Assistant (Halifax) or RA (Truro) for meal support.

If you are not too ill to go to the dining hall:

• Wash/sanitize your hands and make sure you are fully masked before leaving your room and entering the dining hall.
• Please go to the dining hall checker to record your Banner # and receive a disposable container to collect your meal. Please note that dining hall staff are not responsible for gathering your meal.
• For the health and safety of our residence communities, please take your meal to your room and do not eat in the dining hall.

General guidelines

COVID-19 is still very present in the community and a part of our daily lives that we still need to navigate with care. Please follow some general guidelines to protect yourself and others from illness:

• Respect people’s space. Keep your distance when possible or requested.
• Wear your mask. Always wear your mask in classrooms and other instructional spaces—and we encourage everyone to wear a mask in all other indoor campus spaces.
• Follow hygiene best practices. Wash your hands and take advantage of widely available hand sanitizer on campus.
• Get vaccinated and boosted. Protect yourself and others by staying current with recommended shots as they are made available to you. You can book a free appointment online here.
• For more information and guidance, please visit the Nova Scotia Health website.

Thank you for helping us keep our residence communities. We look forward to welcoming you in person soon!