COVID-19 outbreak declared at Western University residence, five students test positive
Five students have tested positive for COVID-19 following an outbreak declared in Western University’s Saugeen-Maitland Hall residence, school officials confirm.
Officials say the university is working closely with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) to manage the outbreak that was declared Saturday.
“We want to assure you that the health and safety of our campus community remains our number one priority,” Chris Alleyne, Western’s associate vice-president of housing and ancillary services, said in a news release. “Western is prepared for this scenario and we are coordinating closely with the MLHU to ensure students are receiving appropriate care and that proper precautions are being taken to minimize further risk of transmission.”
Officials say there is no evidence of classroom transmission at this time and all close contacts in residence have been notified by the MLHU.
“It’s a bit concerning here,” Galen Meesters, a first-year student at Western currently living in Saugeen, said.
He says there is concern about the virus spreading further, as the cold weather has more people spending their time indoors.
“There’s a lot of people going out and stuff but just try to stay safe and try not to interact with too many people,” Meesters said.
Other students who live in the building are feeling confident that the outbreak has been contained.
“Those who were affected or close contacts have been sent away and so they’re really good at making a quick plan,” one student said.
Since those affected are still in the early stages of isolation, London’s acting medical officer of health says they are anticipating more cases to arise.
“These individuals were vaccinated,” Dr. Alex Summers said. “This is a reminder that the vaccine is the best that you can do to reduce your risk of transmission and to reduce your risk of infection.”
Western University was the first universities in Canada to make vaccination mandatory for students living in residence, officials say. The school also requires proof of vaccination for all staff, faculty and students attending campus. The policy took effect Sept. 7.
Officials say Western currently has a 99 per cent vaccination rate.
“The Western community has a very high vaccination rate. Students and employees have also been diligent by wearing masks, completing daily health screening, and staying home when unwell,” the release said.
Students are able to access COVID-19 testing at the Carling Heights Assessment Centre at 656 Elizabeth St. in London between 9:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Sunday.
Officials say Housing and Health and Wellness Services staff have made themselves available for students to speak with employees and discuss their concerns and receive health advice.
- With files from CTV News London's Jennifer Basa
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.