Western University revokes COVID-19 vaccine mandate, masking required
Posted November 29, 2022 5:42 pm.
Western University says it will no longer require students, staff and visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The London, Ont. school says the decision to revoke its vaccine mandate came after consultations with the school’s medical experts and local public health officials.
“That said, public health guidance remains clear: vaccination continues to be the best defence against severe illness and hospitalization,” wrote Florentine Strzelczyk and Lynn Logan in a joint statement.
“We strongly encourage everyone to remain up to date on their vaccinations.”
Western was the only university in Canada that mandated three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for all students and staff, and the school had asked for proof of vaccination to be submitted by Jan. 9, 2023.
The university says it will continue to require masks to be worn in instructional spaces in the winter term in an effort to minimize the transmission of COVID-19 on campus.
Western is asking all students and staff to complete a COVID-19 self-assessment test if they have any symptoms or have tested positive for the virus.
In August, hundreds of people took part in a protest against the university’s vaccine mandate, which was announced days before the start of the school year.
With files from Lucas Casaletto of CityNews
