COVID-19 outbreak declared at Western University residence, seven test positive
The Middlesex-London health unit has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in Western University’s Delaware Hall residence, currently seven people have tested positive for the virus.
University officials said in a news release the school is taking direction from MLHU and is working with the health unit on contact tracing.
“We want to assure our students and their families that we have extensive plans in place to support them,” Chris Alleyne, Western’s associate vice-president of housing and ancillary services said. “We are also working closely with health unit officials to ensure proper precautions are being taken to minimize further risk of transmission.”
Close contacts in Delaware Hall have been notified by the health unit and are self-isolating with support from the university, officials said.
This is the second recent COVID-19 outbreak at the school after an outbreak at Western University’s Saugeen-Maitland Hall residence was declared on Nov. 28.
Vaccinations are mandatory at Western for students living on campus. The school also requires proof of vaccination for all staff, faculty and students attending campus after the policy took effect Sept. 7.
The campus community currently has a vaccination rate of about 99 per cent, officials said.
Officials said “out of an abundance of caution” all employees and residents of Delaware are being notified of the outbreak and are asked to self-monitor for symptoms and get tested if any develop, regardless of vaccination status.
Those looking to get tested this weekend can visit the Carling Heights Assessment Centre at 656 Elizabeth Street between 9:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Western’s on-campus vaccination and testing centre hours of operation are updated weekly and no appointment is necessary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, 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.
'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.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Jury selection in Trump hush money trial faces pivotal stretch as former U.S. president returns to court
Jury selection in the hush money trial of Donald Trump enters a pivotal and potentially final stretch Thursday as lawyers look to round out the panel of New Yorkers that will decide the first-ever criminal case against a former president.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.