COVID-19 Updates
For the most up to date information about coverage, click here
Information is ongoing and information on this website is subject to change without notice. All individuals are encouraged to keep up to date with the Government of Canada statements and contact Medavie Blue Cross or CanAssistance where appropriate.
June 7th, 2021
On-Campus Asymptomatic Covid-19 Rapid Testing Clinic is set to open on June 8th
COVID-19 testing is an important part of stopping the spread of COVID-19 and keeping one another safe. As Nova Scotia’s reopening strategy gets underway, and as more faculty, staff and students prepare to return to campus, regular testing becomes even more important.
To make access to testing even more convenient for the Dal community, Dalhousie University has collaborated with Nova Scotia Public Health to launch a self-swab COVID-19 rapid screening program for faculty, staff and students on the Carleton campus. Appointments are required and can now be booked for dates beginning June 8.
Who can get tested?
The Dalhousie testing clinic is only open to faculty, students, and staff, and appointments must be booked in advance. (No walk-ins will be accepted). Those being tested also need to meet all the following requirements:
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Be asymptomatic (do not have any symptoms of COVID-19)
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Have not had any contact with a known positive case of COVID-19
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Have not left Nova Scotia in the past 14 days (except for travel to approved jurisdictions)
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Were not at any exposure locations noted by Public Health
People who do not meet these requirements or are based in other Dal locations outside of Halifax should seek out testing through Nova Scotia Health.
In a self-swab model, faculty, staff and students will take their own sample and the process will be instructed and observed by a trained swabber. The swabber will wear mask, gloves and face shield and the participant takes their own sample and puts it into the collection tube. Participants will receive their test results by text message or phone call in about 30-40 minutes. NS Health will provide access to a software system that assigns a random code to each test, so confidentiality is maintained. Results are sent automatically from the same software system.
Testing Site Location and Hours of Operation
Rapid tests will be available on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons beginning Thursday, June 8 in the Collaborative Health Education Building (CHEB) rooms 140 and 150. Access to the building will be available using Summer Street entrance only.
Hours of Operation
Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., except for June 10 and July 8 when the hours will be 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
How to Book an Appointment
Asymptomatic testing will be available by appointment only. No walk-ins will be accepted.
To book an appointment, please select the desired 15-minute timeslot from the DalCard Online Self-Service Website. You can find the appointments by clicking on the “purchase” tab and selecting “events.” Comprehensive instructions on how to book your appointment can be found here. Appointments are currently available for the first three weeks of testing. Note: You must arrive within your 15-minute slot.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Project Lead at: dalcovid@dal.ca.
It is important to note that rapid testing does not replace the need for following the public health protocols (maintaining physical distance of 6 feet/2 metres, wearing masks, washing hands, etc.), nor does it replace the need for vaccination. Testing complements all other public health measures. A negative result on the rapid self test is not a guarantee. You could still develop or be exposed to COVID-19 in the coming days.
May 25th, 2021
On April 25th, 2021, we received confirmation that the Government of Canada is not charging students for the COVID-19 vaccine. As such, international students should receive their vaccination without up-front costs.
As we know, the Government has changed their testing coverage eligibility throughout the course of the pandemic and the coverage eligibility for vaccinations may change as well. Updates will be available as new information is provided.
How to Book your COVID-19 Vaccination without a Nova Scotia Provincial MSI Health Card
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If you don't have a Nova Scotia Health Card, you can still receive the vaccine, even if you're not a permanent resident of Nova Scotia.
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You can book an appointment when your age group becomes eligible based on Nova Scotia's COVID-19 immunization plan. You can only book an appointment by phone. When you book your appointment, 1st and 2nd dose appointments are booked together.
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To book an appointment by phone, call toll-free: 1-833-797-7772 (7am to 10pm, 7 days a week).
Please note that the COVID-19 vaccine is not eligible under your International Health Plan. If you receive a bill for your COVID-19 vaccination, please contact Student VIP directly by emailing i
nfo@studentvip.ca.
February 24th, 2021
Medavie Blue CrossTM has made adjustments to the wording regarding travel coverage. Please review the most up to date FAQ to review coverage updates.
August 24th
There are updates to the COVID-19 coverage for students coming to Canada, students who are planning to travel and students who require COVID-19 testing. Please click here for full details. This FAQ provides information about health plan coverage, services and operations for the upcoming academic year.
March 19th
Medavie Blue Cross, the travel and primary care insurance provider for the Student VIP and Student VIP International Health Plans including Backpack continues to provide updates relating to COVID-19, coverage, and resources. Members asked to stay up to date on information as it becomes available from Medavie Blue Cross by visiting the dedicated website here.
March 18th
The Government of Canada has asked all Canadians abroad to return home. We understand that this is not as easy as it sounds. If you need medical assistance or assistance to return home, please contact CanAssistance. If you are in the US: 1-800-563-4444 press 1 if you are outside of the US 1-506-854-2222
If you are abroad and cannot return home because you are in quarantine, your coverage is still in force. All coverage and claims are subject to policy wording. For eligibility and or coverage please contact CanAssistance. If you are in the US: 1-800-563-4444 press 1 if you are outside of the US 1-506-854-2222
International students who are abroad and cannot return back to Canada due to border restrictions for Non-Canadians, please contact Student VIP International with questions or concerns at inquiries@internationalhealth.ca
International students enrolled on the Student VIP international health plan who are in Canada and become sick with newly developed symptoms that may be due to the COVID-19 virus (cough, fever, sore throat, breathing difficulty, etc.) will have coverage for medical services. Please follow the steps below for care.
Every individual who is experiencing non-emergent symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call Nova Scotia telehealth at 811 before visiting a hospital or doctor’s office. The nurses will determine if you require further testing and direct you to the most safe and appropriate resource. If you are having difficulty breathing, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency room.
Access to virtual health care services will remain available for all students.
March 13th
COVID-19
Rest assured your Student VIP International Health Plan has appropriate coverage and measures in place to support and assist students during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
ACCESSIBILITY
Students can access their plan and services virtually and remotely in the event of school closures. Found online are:
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Your health plan card
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Coverage details and brochures
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Plan forms and documents
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Make claims
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Find a Doctor
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Virtual Doctor Services
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I.M. Well or counselling services
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Live chat with a Student VIP agent
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and more!
TRAVEL COVERAGE & ASSISTANCE
There is travel coverage in place through the International Student Health Plan to cover costs for:
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Medical Care and Assistance
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Evacuation
Certain eligibility requirements must be met in order to qualify for coverage.
If you are currently abroad and require assistance, please call the 24/7 CanAssistance support line:
Within North America:
1-800-563-4444
Outside North America (Call Collect):
1-506-854-2222
If your school or program has cancelled all academic related travel you may qualify for trip cancellation and interruption coverage. Proof of cancellation from the school or program is required.
To make a travel related claim, please contact info@studentvip.ca for assistance.
PREVENTION
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washing your hands often
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avoiding contact with people who are sick
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practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette
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staying home if you or your child is sick
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Keeping up to date with government and provincial statements and advice
IF YOU ARE FEELING UNWELL
Please contact Nova Scotia’s telehealth service by dialing 811. Most provincial health authorities have advised that unless in an emergent situation, to avoid crowding hospitals, and visiting your doctor’s office or local walk in clinic to prevent the spread of germs and to protect vulnerable persons.
To keep up to date with the Government of Canada’s information on COVID, please visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
Symptoms are similar to the cold and flu. If you have similar symptoms, don’t panic.
People may experience:
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Runny nose
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Sore throat
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Cough
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Fever
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Pneumonia
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Difficulty breathing (severe cases)
If you need to see a doctor for newly developed symptoms of illness including but not limited to fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, there is coverage available under your international student plan to cover these costs.
COVERAGE QUESTIONS & CONCERNS
Medavie Blue Cross
CanAssistance - Travel Assistance Provider
Within North America: 1-800-563-4444
Outside North America (Call Collect): 1-506-854-2222
Student VIP International
1-888-918-5056
info@studentvip.ca
SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT?
WellCan, brought to you by a community of partners, provides a hub for mental health resources and tools to help all Canadians maintain positive mental, physical, social and financial health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WellCan App is free to download and available to all Canadians in English and French.