Students
If you test positive for COVID-19 on either a rapid test (including take-home tests) or a PCR test, you should take the following steps:
- Isolate immediately. (Guidelines on how to self-isolate)
- If you are living in Residence, please notify Residence Life staff immediately (Lynn.Cashen@msvu.ca). The Residence Life team has protocols in place to support students who need to self-isolate.
- Review in full the Public Health guidelines for those who test positive.
- If you received a positive test result on a take-home rapid test, you will need to notify Public Health.
- Current Public Health guidelines also require that you notify your close contacts yourself (guidance on notifying close contacts).
- Stay home until your required isolation period is complete.
- Notify your instructor if you are unable to attend class and be sure to follow your instructor’s/ program’s requirements with regards to illness/missed classes.
- Have questions? MSVU’s Manager of Health Services, Maxine Brewer, RN, is here to help you navigate your COVID-19 diagnosis. You can reach her at Maxine.Brewer@msvu.ca.
Faculty and staff
If you test positive for COVID-19 on either a rapid test (including self-administered or take-home tests) or a PCR test, you should take the following steps:
- Isolate immediately. (Guidelines on how to self-isolate)
- If you are living in Residence, please notify Residence Life staff immediately (Lynn.Cashen@msvu.ca). The Residence Life team has protocols in place to support students who need to self-isolate.
- Review in full the Public Health guidelines for those who test positive.
- If you received a positive test result on a take-home rapid test, you will need to notify Public Health.
- Current Public Health guidelines also require that you notify your close contacts yourself, including from the workplace and elsewhere (guidance on notifying close contacts).
- If you were on campus any time within the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms, or 48 hours prior to your positive test result (if you aren’t experiencing symptoms), please notify your supervisor.
- Stay home until your required isolation period is complete.
For close contacts
Have you been advised that you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19? If so, please review the following information for close contacts.
- Residence students: If you have been deemed a close contact of a positive case and are required to self-isolate, please get in touch with the Residence Life team immediately so they can support you (Lynn.Cashen@msvu.ca).
- Faculty and staff: If you have been deemed a close contact of a positive case and are required to self-isolate, please advise your supervisor. If you are able to work from home while isolating (e.g. you are a close contact, but don’t have any symptoms), then you’re encouraged to do so.
Need a test?
The Province continues to hold PCR testing clinics and distribute rapid tests by appointment and based on certain criteria – learn more/book a testing appointment with Public Health (note that a self-assessment is now required before booking a testing appointment with NS Public Health). On-campus testing also continues, but with reduced capacity (Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and for asymptomatic individuals only.
Need support?
We realize that this pandemic is affecting all of us differently and the supports needed will vary by individual. If you need help with any aspect of the pandemic response, please be in touch. The MSVU community is here to help.
- Mental Health Supports:
- For students: MSVU Counselling Services: counselling@msvu.ca; Good2Talk NS Helpline for Postsecondary Students: 1-833-292-3698
- For faculty and staff: Employee & Family Assistance Program (or EFAP) via Morneau Shepell (free, confidential counselling services) – visit the EFAP website or call 1-844-880-9142.
- For all: Wellness Together Canada is a free, online, 24/7 mental health and substance use support portal provided by the Government of Canada. Visit wellnesstogether.ca or call 1-866-585-0445 (Adults, 18 or older), 1-888-668-6810 (Youth, below 18) or text WELLNESS to 741741 (Adults), 686868 (Youth) to connect with a professional for support.
- Health Office: MSVU’s Manager of Health Services, Maxine Brewer, RN, is available to advise on COVID-19 related health and safety matters. She can be reached at Maxine.Brewer@msvu.ca.
- Office of Student Experience: Students with general inquiries can contact the Office of Student Experience at ose@msvu.ca.
- Human Resources: The MSVU Human Resources team is available to assist faculty, staff and supervisors with COVID-19 related personnel matters and can be reached at human.resources@msvu.ca.