Important COVID-19 Update

January 25, 2022 4:00 PM

We’re writing to provide a few important updates in anticipation of the return of students in second, third and fourth year to in-person learning, starting January 31. 

And, as a reminder, outlined in our January 14 update, all first-year undergraduate level courses will resume in person Monday, February 28.  

We know the start of the winter term has been challenging amidst another provincial lockdown – and so we start by saying thank you in advance for your understanding of our efforts to ensure the return to in-person learning is welcoming and safe. 

Masking requirements

Western is providing new medical-grade (ASTM Level 3) masks that must be worn when indoors on campus, as well as outdoors when physical distancing is not possible.  

You can pick up these new medical-grade masks at Western Libraries using your Western ONECard when you return to campus.  

Get boosted

If you haven’t yet received your booster shot, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as you are able. You can book an appointment at the Western Vaccination and Testing Centre online. Right now, they are taking walk ins until February 4 as well. If you are not in London now, please contact your local public health unit for information on how to get your booster shot.  

If you are currently outside of Canada, please ensure you have the vaccinations required for entry into Canada, and that you meet the qualifications for Western’s vaccination policy upon arrival. You can also receive a booster shot once you arrive in London. 

Campus eateries 

Eateries across campus will reopen on Monday, January 31. Additional pop-up locations for coffee and freshly baked goods will be available weekday mornings from 8:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. in Physics & Astronomy, Support Services Building, and Lucy’s in Somerville House. 

Medway-Sydenham, Ontario, and Saugeen-Maitland’s dining halls are currently open to support students who have been approved for early arrival to residence. Delaware Hall will also reopen on Sunday, January 30.   

Study areas 

Physically distanced study areas have been set up across campus to support the academic needs of the community. Food and drink are permitted in these areas; students can temporarily remove their masks only when eating or drinking. Students can access: 

  • Mustang Lounge in UCC (in partnership with the USC), 9:00a.m. to 10:00p.m., Monday to Friday
  • Room 110, 120 and 245 in Natural Sciences (Old Brain & Mind area), 9:00a.m.to 5:00p.m., Monday to Friday 
  • The Great Hall in Somerville House, 9:00a.m.to 5:00p.m., Monday to Friday 
  • New Student Gathering Space across from Lucy’s in Somerville House, 9:00a.m.to 5:00p.m., Monday to Friday 

Western Sport and Recreation 

Western Sport and Recreation will be opening for in-person programming and varsity teams will return to train starting January 31.  

Sport and Recreation will be offering a hybrid model for programming and will continue to offer some digital programming including live digital fitness classes.    

Specific details around team training will be communicated to student athletes via coaches as information becomes available.    

Hours of operation for the Western Student Recreation Centre (WSRC), reservation information, live digital fitness class information, and the start of intramurals and recreation clubs can be found at www.uwo.ca/campusrec.     

Western Libraries 

All Western Libraries will be open as of January 31 with altered hours until February 27. Please note that food or drink are not permitted in the libraries. For a listing of hours of operation, visit the Western Libraries website. 

Student Parking  

Western’s campus fees for parking passes will be deferred for the month of February. Students who have purchased an annual or second term permit will be refunded for the months of January and February; however, refunds/credits will be assessed and issued at the end of the Winter Term. For more information on parking, visit Parking and Visitor Services. 

Research activity  

Research continues with existing protocols in place. Effective December 18, capacity in research spaces was reduced to 50 per cent. Human face-to-face research involving non-campus personnel requires verification of full vaccination status. Researchers are encouraged to conduct research off-site where possible. More information can be found at Western Research COVID-19 updates. 

For additional information about the return to campus, please visit the updated FAQs on the Western COVID-19 website.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and commitment to a safe return to campus.

Chris Alleyne, Associate Vice-President (Housing & Ancillary Services)

Supporting your well-being

For students:  

For employees:  

Additional COVID-19 resources for the campus community can be found on Western’s COVID-19 website and on the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s website.  

AFFILIATED UNIVERSITY COLLEGES  

For information about operations at the affiliated university colleges, please visit their respective websites: Brescia, Huron and King’s .