According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in December 2019.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose and headache. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe.

If you have two or more of these symptoms, please visit https://when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca/en to determine if you should call 811 for further assessment.

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can be spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth upon coughing or exhaling. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces which can then be touched by others. It is important to stay more than one meter away from someone who is sick and refrain from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth whenever possible.

Nova Scotia is testing for COVID-19. See testing data here.

For the most recent information on COVID-19, including numbers of cases in Canada, please refer to the Government of Canada’s Public Health Agency website.

To minimize the spread of any respiratory virus (including things like the flu/influenza and COVID-19), the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness recommends the following:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if hands are not visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it in a garbage bin lined with a plastic bag.
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
• Wash your hands immediately after coughing and/or sneezing.
• Stay home if you’re sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are shared and used often.

Since mid-January, CBU has been working closely with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness to ensure our response aligns with the recommendations being made by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.  

In early March, President Dingwall established a Pandemic Planning Task Force to focus on contingency planning should the COVID-19 situation worsen. The Task Force includes members from various areas within the university such as academics, residence, enrolment services, operations, facilities management, communications, human resources, student affairs and more.  The Task Force currently meets regularly to make informed decisions as the situation evolves. 

As well, CBU is participating in the CONSUP (Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents) COVID-19 Working Group. Dr. Tanya Brann-Barrett, Associate Vice-President, Academic & Research, is representing CBU. 

For the Nova Scotia Government’s current regulations on travel, please click here.

New viruses like COVID-19 may cause fear and anxiety for some members of the campus community. In addition to the resources available through the Max Bell Health and Counselling Centre, support is also available: 

For students – HealthyMindsNS 

For International students Keep Me Safe Program 

For employees – EFAP

If you have flu-like symptoms, please complete the COVID-19 self-assessment online. If you, or family members, need a COVID-19 test, a Nova Scotia Health or IWK representative will call you within 24-48 hours. They will tell you where you need to go for the test and your appointment time.

If you have flu-like symptoms, do not go to the Max Bell Health Centre or the local Emergency Room. Please complete the COVID-19 self-assessment online. If you, or family members, need a COVID-19 test, a Nova Scotia Health or IWK representative will call you within 24-48 hours. They will tell you where you need to go for the test and your appointment time.

Social distancing and self-isolation are non-pharmaceutical infection control approaches used to stop or slow down the spread of a contagious disease.

Social Distancing means putting distance between yourself and other people.

Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people.

Respiratory Etiquette is

• Covering your mouth and nose in the crook of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Using tissues and disposing of them in an appropriate container when you have a chance
• Washing your hands or using a hand sanitizer every time you touch your mouth or nose.