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
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
House admonishes ArriveCan contractor in rare parliamentary show of power
MPs enacted an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power on Wednesday, summonsing an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons where he was admonished publicly and forced to provide answers to the questions MPs said he'd previously evaded.
Leafs star Auston Matthews finishes season with 69 goals
Auston Matthews won't be joining the NHL's 70-goal club this season.
Trump lawyers say Stormy Daniels refused subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, papers left 'at her feet'
Donald Trump's legal team says it tried serving Stormy Daniels a subpoena as she arrived for an event at a bar in Brooklyn last month, but the porn actor, who is expected to be a witness at the former president's criminal trial, refused to take it and walked away.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Doug Ford calls on Ontario Speaker to reverse Queen's Park keffiyeh ban
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Customers disappointed after email listing $60K Tim Hortons prize sent in error
Several Tim Horton’s customers are feeling great disappointment after being told by the company that an email stating they won a boat worth nearly $60,000 was sent in error.