COVID-19 outbreak declared at Western University residence, five students test postive

Five students have tested positive for COVID-19 following an outbreak declared in Western University’s Saugeen-Maitland Hall residence, school officials confirm.

Five students have tested positive for COVID-19 following an outbreak declared in Western University’s Saugeen-Maitland Hall residence, school officials confirm.

Officials say the university is working closely with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) to manage the outbreak that was declared Saturday, Nov. 27.

“We want to assure you that the health and safety of our campus community remains our number one priority,” Chris Alleyne, Western’s associate vice-president of housing and ancillary services, said in a news release. “Western is prepared for this scenario and we are coordinating closely with the MLHU to ensure students are receiving appropriate care and that proper precautions are being taken to minimize further risk of transmission.”

Officials say there is no evidence of classroom transmission at this time and all close contacts in residents have been notified by the MLHU.

Close contacts notified are self-isolating with support from the university.

Western University was the first university in Canada to make vaccination mandatory for stents living in residents, officials say. The school also requires proof of vaccination for all staff, faculty, and students attending campus. The policy took effect Sept. 7.

Officials say Western currently has a 99 per cent vaccination rate.