To the Western community,

In his most recent statement, the Province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) issued a promising update on the rates of respiratory illness in Ontario, including COVID-19.

Public health officials across the country agree that COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future, and as we learn to live with it, we will continue to adjust and adapt.

Effective today, Western will move from mandating masks in instructional spaces to strongly encouraging masks in crowded indoor spaces like large classes. This move is aligned with the advice of public health. Leaders of research labs will make health and safety decisions based on the appropriate protocols for their lab environment.

As we make this change, please be considerate of individuals who may ask you to wear a mask based on their personal circumstances.

In his update, the CMOH thanked Ontarians for all their efforts that have contributed to the decline in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu and COVID throughout the province.

We are going in the right direction. Let’s work together by:

• Staying up to date with vaccinations
• Wearing masks in crowded spaces like large classrooms
• Staying home when feeling sick, washing hands often, and covering mouths to cough or sneeze

Thank you for continuing to follow public health recommendations to help keep yourself and our campus community safe.

With appreciation,

Florentine Strzelczyk
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

Lynn Logan
Vice-President (Operations and Finance)