February 22, 2022

Return to Residence This Weekend

February 22, 2022

As we welcome many of our community members back to residence this week, we are writing to provide further details about what you can expect in residence.   

Campus updates 

As the University announced last week, with Ontario moving to the next phase of reopening, Western’s vaccination policy and mandatory masking requirements remain in place for the campus community, including residence.  

Check out this website for Residence Health & Safety Protocols in your building. These protocols will be updated regularly based on directives from the provincial government and the health unit. 

Return to Residence 

For those returning to residence during the period of Feb 24-27, we ask that you please arrive during your scheduled move-in timeslot. Daily limits on the number of students allowed to return on designated days and hours have been set to assist in managing this process as safely as possible.  

As a reminder, we ask that students administer the provided two (2) rapid antigen tests prior to returning to residence. Please take the first test 24 to 48 hours before you return to residence, and the second on the morning of your planned return day. If either test is positive, you will be required to self-isolate immediately and are NOT permitted to return to residence until you’ve completed isolation.  

To maintain proper physical distancing throughout the move-in process, each student is permitted to have one guest maximum to assist them with move-in. All individuals assisting a student moving in are expected to: 

  • complete a daily symptom check (i.e. personal health attestation) through the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 self-assessment; 
  • agree to and comply with the University’s safety measures; and 
  • comply with applicable provincial, local and University health and safety protocols – including quarantine requirements. 

We also ask that you keep within your 60-minute scheduled move-in allotment to minimize unnecessary congestion and delays throughout move-in. 

Dining Halls 

In addition to the four dining halls that are currently open in Ontario, Saugeen, MedSyd and Delaware, starting February 25, Essex, Elgin and Perth dining halls will also open to welcome our students back. 

Starting Sunday, February 27, all seven dining halls resume regular operating hours. Please visit the Residence Dining site for detailed hours of operation. 

Get boosted  

We are strongly encouraging all eligible students to receive a COVID-19 booster. If you are planning to receive your booster at the on-campus vaccination centre, you are asked to book an appointment in advance. Walk-ins are accepted pending available vaccine supply. 

Isolation protocol 

Any students who are symptomatic or test positive for COVID-19 are required to self-isolate in their residence room immediately. All roommates and suitemates of a symptomatic or positive student will also be required to isolate.  

If you test positive or become symptomatic, we are here to support you. Please immediately contact our COVID-19 Case Coordinator at 519-495-3980 who will provide ongoing support and ensure you have access to the resources you need, e.g. meal delivery, academic support and counselling. If needed, please leave a message and they will return your call as soon as possible.  

Check out the Housing COVID-19 website for the protocols and resources that are in place to support you during your isolation period.  

We thank you for your understanding and continuous efforts to prioritize the health and safety of our community. We look forward to having all members of our residence community back on campus and the return to in-person learning.