Mount Allison students are arriving in Sackville to attend school this fall, either in the classroom or online.
All students in residence coming from outside the Atlantic Bubble were required to move in last weekend to allow a two-week isolation period before their Atlantic counterparts begin arriving.
One of those students is Bennett residence’s social chair, Alex Sulek.
Sulek drove himself from Indiana across the US-Canadian border without any problems.
He immediately went into isolation and has been in a room alone ever since.
Sulek says that Mount Allison is providing him with daily necessities, and is not required to leave his room except for scheduled socially-distanced outdoor time.
A: So Mount Allison has been super proactive and has things in place to deliver each meal every day to every student. And so they come around with a big white van and hand deliver each meal to your door and leave a knock. And then you go and grab it.
The university is using an app called “Hey Chef” to organize their meal distribution.
Sulek says that he has been keeping occupied with exercise routines, podcasts, and keeping in touch with his family in Indiana.
Sulek is excited for his isolation period to be over.
A: You know, a walk would be really amazing. Alas, I am not allowed to walk. Like Waterfowl? I’m itching to go on a walk through Waterfowl.
Mount Allison announced mandatory COVID-19 testing for international students on Friday, and strongly encouraged students from outside the Atlantic Bubble to get themselves tested as well.
Since Sulek is an international student, he was tested in his dorm room on Saturday.
He says that the test is quick and painless, and is expecting to hear the results within 24 hours.
A: As long as you don’t struggle, it just feels like you’re getting tickled all the way in the middle of your head. So it makes your eyes water, you’re gonna want to sneeze or cough. But that’s it. Two seconds and then you’re done.
M: Okay. And somebody comes into your residence room, is that right?
A: Yeah. They prepare outside your dorm room. And then you meet them at your door. They shove the Q tip up your nose. They take it out and then they’re done.
Tests for international students living off-campus will be conducted in their homes.
Students from outside of the Atlantic Bubble can register for a COVID test on Moodle.
Any questions should be directed to Anne Comfort, director of accessibility and wellness.
By Meg Cunningham
