COVID-19 Update for the Campus Community

March 10, 2022 2:10 PM

As we mark the second year since the World Health Organization declared the global COVID-19 pandemic tomorrow, we would like to sincerely thank everyone in the Western community for all you have done to ensure a safe and healthy campus over the last 24 months. 

Your response to this pandemic has been exceptional. Throughout the pandemic, we have all worked to ensure the safest possible environment for students, employees and our community. While we know that many of us are looking forward to moving past certain protocols, we must continue to prioritize the safety of our campus in the context of our unique environment. 

As such, and to ensure that we can continue the rest of this semester in person, Western’s masking mandate and vaccination policy will remain in effect until at least the end of this term.   

We have consulted with the Middlesex-London Health Unit and with our workplace health and wellness physicians and they are continuing to see transmission of the virus in our community.  We have decided that the masking mandate for indoors will remain in place beyond March 21, 2022. There are many places across campus where physical distancing is simply not possible – classrooms and labs, residences, libraries, sport and recreation facilities and some work areas – so this is the best option to ensure the health and safety of our campus. 

We want to sincerely thank you for your understanding and patience throughout the many changes that have been required of us during this pandemic. We also thank you for your continued cooperation, kindness and respect towards those who are monitoring masking requirements.  

Campus eateries   

All dining areas will operate at full capacity with the exception of high-density locations such as Centre Spot and Nucleus. Seating at the Nucleus will remain closed. For all open eating spaces, masks may be removed while seated for eating and drinking.   

Western Sport and Recreation  

Masking will be required at all times in the Western Student Recreation Centre. Intramurals and recreational sport clubs have resumed with mandatory masking in place. Varsity athletes will not be required to wear masks while training with the team or during competition.  

Western Libraries   

All Western Libraries will operate at full capacity and masks are required at all times in this space. Please note that food is not permitted in the libraries (lidded beverages allowed). For a listing of hours of operation, visit the Western Libraries website.  

Study areas   

Study areas have been set up across campus to support the academic needs of the community. Food and drink are permitted in these areas and masks may be removed only when seated for 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 and 120 in Natural Sciences (the former Brain & Mind area), 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday  
  • The Great Hall in Somerville House, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday  
  • New Student Gathering Space across from Lucy’s in Somerville House, 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday  

Meetings and Events  

In-person meetings will be permitted with regular capacity limits and masking in place. Those looking to book events on campus are encouraged to reach out to visitorinfo@uwo.ca to let the university know of your plans. 

Lynn Logan 
Vice-President (Operations and Finance) 

Jane O’Brien 
Associate Vice-President (Human Resources) 

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 .