Universities in Nova Scotia are cancelling classes and modifying exams as a result of COVID-19 concerns.
The universities have been consulting with the province and each other for a number of days about steps to take, and announcements started going out to most campuses Saturday. Dalhousie and the University of King's College advised students on Friday night.
There have been no diagnosed cases of the virus in the province as of Saturday afternoon, but many groups and organizations are taking proactive steps to try to limit any potential spread by cancelling meetings and events.
For the most part, universities are adopting uniform measures, although there are some differences when it comes to facilities. Students, staff and families should check their university's websites for a full list of measures.
Classes are suspended next week so faculty and administrations can work to switch to online or remote classes and come up with alternatives for group exams.
Convocations are still up in the air.
Cape Breton University said in its notice to students and faculty that they should maintain social distancing, and there will be increased sanitation efforts around the campus.
It said residence buildings will remain open and while it is not encouraging students to leave, guest priveleges in residences have been suspended. Dining hall use is now restricted to students with five- or seven-day meal plans.
All on-campus events until at April 30 have been cancelled.
Dalhousie and the University of of King's College have cancelled most events as well, but are encouraging those who can move out of residence early to do so by March 22. Those who leave early will get a pro-rated refund for their room and meal plan.
The universities said that any students who can't move because of international travel restrictions or university obligations will still be provided with accommodations.
“These are exceptional times, unprecedented in the modern history of our institutions,” the message from King's president William Lahey and Dalhousie president Deep Saini said. “We know these measures represent a significant disruption to our operations. No aspect of our mission is unaffected. We are, truly, all in this together.”
Saint Mary's University has cancelled all field courses and experiences until the end of June 2020.
The university also said visitors who have been outside of Canada within the last 14 days are prohibited from coming to campus or interacting with SMU community members on university-related business outside of campus.
