Western University revokes COVID-19 vaccine mandate, keeps masking requirement

The Canadian Press

LONDON, Ont. — Western University says it will no longer require students, staff and visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The London, Ont. school says the decision to revoke its vaccine mandate came after consultations with the school’s medical experts and local public health officials. 

Western was the only university in Canada that mandated three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for all students and staff and the school had asked for proof of vaccination to be submitted by Jan. 9, 2023.

The university says it will continue to require masks to be worn in instructional spaces in the winter term in an effort to minimize the transmission of COVID-19 on campus. 

Western is asking all students and staff to complete a COVID-19 self-assessment test if they have any symptoms or have tested positive for the virus.

In August, hundreds of people took part in a protest against the university’s vaccine mandate, which was announced days before the start of the school year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 29, 2022. 

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