Not vaxxed? Western says you can't be on campus without an exemption
University removes COVID-19 testing option for those who 'simply choose' not to be vaccinated
Western University is upping its COVID-19 vaccination requirements for the fall.
On Wednesday, the university along with its affiliated colleges, Brescia, Huron and King's, said it is eliminating the option of regular testing for people who "simply choose not to be vaccinated." Previously, the school said those without proof of vaccination who wanted to remain on campus must be tested twice a week.
"Unvaccinated students, faculty and staff at Western will no longer have the option to undergo twice-a-week testing in lieu of vaccination. Only those with a medical or Ontario Human Rights Code exemption will be eligible for the regular, twice-a-week testing in order to be physically on campus this fall," read a statement issued by the university.
The updated policy, which will be released later this week, comes after a recent Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health letter recommending mandatory vaccinations in all post secondary schools across the province.
"High vaccination rates in our community remain our clearest path to a safe campus," Sarah Prichard, the university's acting provost and vice-president (academic) said in the statement.
"As we continue to be guided by the evidence and public health experts, a strong vaccination policy will help us achieve a healthy and safe environment for the Western and London communities."
The enhanced vaccination policy will come into effect on Sept. 7 and will apply to people visiting campus, in addition to students, staff and faculty.
The university said further details on how to upload proof of vaccination or request a medical or Ontario Human Rights Code exemption will be sent to all members of the Western community.
Earlier this month, the university surveyed more than 62,000 of those community members to gauge vaccination rates, with fifty per cent response rate.
The university said the survey found nearly 90 per cent of respondents are fully vaccinated, and more than half of those remaining plan to get their COVID-19 vaccines by September.