Western University set to return to in-person with several measures in place
It’s back to class for Western University students on Monday, as the school prepares for the resumption of in-person learning.
Fourth year honours psychology student Facundo Lodol says he just received his booster vaccine at an on-campus clinic, and he’s looking forward to in-person learning.
“I think they’re very aware of how to manage what’s going on, and I think for that reason I feel safe. Especially if people are getting vaccinated I think the risk goes down and I think the opportunity to actually learn and engage with other students will be great.”
Fourth year honours psychology student Facundo Lodol on Jan. 27, 2022. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV London)
Monday’s return to in-person learning includes second, third, and fourth year students, along with professional programs. First years are not scheduled to return until Feb. 28.
Acting provost and Vice President Academic John Doerksen says the staggered return is to minimize COVID transmission, especially in congregate settings like residences.
“The decision is driven by our concern around safety, particularly again the residence situation. But I do understand the disappointment. We’re also hearing from some students who would rather not return as well. The general message is that we are taking direction from public health on this return to campus, and being quite measured in our return.”
John Doerksen, acting provost and vice president academic at Western University speaks via Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022.
Under Western’s return plan study areas have been set up across campus, sport and recreation reopens to in-person programming, and varsity teams resume training. Also, libraries are open with altered hours, and research continues with existing protocols.
Middlesex London acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers says the measures are only as good as how well they’re followed- both on and off campus.
“The risk on campus can be regulated through some of these regulations and interventions. The risk off campus is harder to control, and that’s really, truly in the hands of the students.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.