Western University to require COVID-19 booster and masking in instructional spaces this fall

Western University says it is implementing vaccine and masking requirements this September.

The university says at a minimum, all students, faculty, staff and some visitors to campus are required to have been vaccinated and have one booster shot. The policy requires all students, faculty and staff to submit current proof of vaccination to the university by Oct. 1.

Students living in residence are also required to get a booster dose before moving in. The university says it will offer a two-week grace period and access to the campus vaccination clinic for those who are unable to get a booster before they arrive.

Effective Sept. 1, Western says it requires the use of medical-grade (ASTM level 3) masks indoors in instructional spaces for degree credit courses such as classrooms, labs and seminar rooms. It says those presenting, performing, facilitating, or speaking to a group may remove their masks.

The university says it will reassess the need for masking after the Thanksgiving weekend, with a goal to lift the mask mandate as soon as possible.

“We will soon be welcoming students to campus from across the country and around the world,” said Florentine Strzelczyk, provost and vice-president (academic), in a statement. “While we can’t predict when the next wave of COVID-19 might come, we believe these measures will help us protect the in-person experience that Western is known for. We want to do everything we can to offer our students a great on-campus experience throughout the academic year.”