Western University to require double-dose of COVID-19 vaccine to live in residence
Western University says it is leading the way in Canada when it comes to student safety in on-campus residences, officials say.
"We're the first university in Canada to announce that in order to live in residence, you have to be fully vaccinated with one-dose minimum on arrival and getting the second dose if you haven't already had it," Alan Shepard, Western University president said Monday.
While the university isn't requiring students to be vaccinated to return to campus, they want to ensure safety for those in dorms after multiple outbreaks during the 2020 school year.
"We wanted with the residence halls to just ensure maximum safety, particularly for people who maybe couldn't be vaccinated for health or religious reasons," says Shepard.
Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop made a stop in London, Ont. Monday to announce funding for Robarts Research institute, but the questioning after the announcement was all about the vaccination requirements for post-secondary institutions.
This comes after a memo was sent to all presidents of colleges and universities Friday recognizing a return to on-campus activities this fall.
Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop speaks at Western University in London, Ont., Monday, July 19, 2021. (Brent Lale / CTV News)
Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop speaks at Western University in London, Ont., Monday, July 19, 2021. (Brent Lale / CTV News)
"We've given guidance on that the framework for reopening and vaccines are not mandatory," says Dunlop.
Toronto's Seneca College recently became the first in Ontario to make the shots a requirement for students and staff returning to campus in September. Dunlop says the province will not impose a mandatory vaccination policy.
"Universities and colleges are legal entities of their own and we do not look at matters of academic and administration so that would be up to each individual," says Dunlop.
Fanshawe College will not require students and staff to be vaccinated in order to return to campus this term.
"The Fanshawe Residence has adopted a vaccination requirement for residents under the guidance of the Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU)," a spokesperson said via email.
"Fanshawe will not require students or staff to show proof of vaccination before coming to campus for in-person labs, classes or services. However, the college strongly encourages everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible."
Shepard says he anticipates a large percentage of his students will be vaccinated, but said it's too early to determine a number.
He does feel they are prepared to pivot on a plan should a fourth-wave of COVID-19 hit London.
"I think it will depend on the nature of, you know what happens next, and one of the surprising things about this whole pandemic for all of us I think has been watching science in action and medicine and public health in action," says Shepard.
"The future is never as clear as the as the past is, and we do have a plan in place. We were one of the first Canadian universities to convert to all online, should we need to do that, we could do that again on pretty short notice. I'm not anticipating that we will need to do that."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Amber Alert issued for 2 toddlers near Quebec City
Police have issued an Amber Alert for two children who have gone missing from near Quebec City.
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company.
Quebec police investigating after entire herd of 75 cattle allegedly stolen
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.