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
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city, marking the first franchise in Canada
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Federal government bans watercraft from Manitoba lake popular with tourists
The threat of zebra mussels has prompted the federal government to temporarily ban watercraft from a Manitoba lake popular with tourists.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.