Last Updated: October 11, 2024

The provincial government and the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) provide health and safety directives that inform our protocols here at Western. The following measures have been put in place in residence to enhance the health and safety of our community. These protocols will be updated regularly based on directives from the public health experts.

It is essential that you adhere to the Residence Contract, follow directions from University employees, respect the rights of your fellow community members, and demonstrate patience and kindness. Please note that violations of these health and safety protocols can result in escalated measures under the Residence Contract and Western’s Code of Student Conduct. 

Isolation

If you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, please self-isolate in your residence room and follow the directives from the Province of Ontario. According to the current directives, you must isolate until you are 24 hours without a fever (or 48 hours without vomiting or diarrhea), before you can come out of isolation. Then you must wear a mask for the next 10 days when you are in public.

You are required to remain in your room until your isolation period is complete, unless you are accessing a shared washroom or dining hall, need medical attention, or if there is a building emergency.

While in isolation, you are not permitted to have guests or visitors in your room. We appreciate that this is challenging and that self-isolation is an unexpected aspect of your residence experience. That said, you are required to obey the Public Health directives, and any deliberate violation of this isolation protocol could result in disciplinary sanctions. While you are in self-isolation, we ask that you not make non-emergency maintenance requests until your isolation period is finished. Where necessary, we will coordinate deliveries of other essential items to students in isolation.

Your safety is important to us. In the case of a fire alarm, or building evacuation, you are required to leave the building. We ask that you wear your medical-grade (ASTM level 3) mask and exit the building at the nearest exit, while maintaining 2m/6ft of physical distancing, when possible. Once you are outside and at your evacuation location, you should try to remain 2m/6ft apart from other students or guests.

Medical-grade (ASTM level 3) masks are available at the front desk in your residence, if needed.

For more information about self-isolation, please visit Public Health Ontario.

Meals

Students who are unwell or in self-isolation can go to the dining hall and get meals to-go. You are recommended to wear a medical-grade (ASTM level-3) mask and abide by all health & safety protocols.

Shared Washrooms

While attending a shared washroom, you must wear a medical-grade (ASTM level 3) mask and follow all health & safety protocols. When using a shared washroom, physical distancing is extremely important - specifically when you are engaging in activities with no masks (showering, brushing teeth, etc.).

Roommates & Suitemates

If you live with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19, follow the Guide from the Province of Ontario.

Support & Resources

Most people get symptoms that feel like a bad cold, and can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and rest. If your symptoms worsen, or you require additional medical care, please contact the Student Health and Wellness, Telehealth (1-866-797-0000), or your health care provider. If you require urgent medical attention, please call your front desk, who will arrange for a taxi voucher for transportation to the nearest hospital. In case of emergency, call 911.

We understand that you may need to contact your academic counselling office. Contact information for each faculty is available here.

There are several wellness resources available for you as well. Please do not hesitate to reach out:

• Residence Counselling: needtotalk@uwo.ca
• Good2Talk: Student Helpline (24/7) 1-866-925-5454
• CMHA Crisis Services (24/7) 1-866-933-2023; online chat: reachout247.ca
• Kid’s Help Phone Crisis Text Line (24/7) Text CONNECT to 686868

Here is a collection of our favourite online and free programs for you to check out on the Residence Virtual Programs website.

Non-urgent questions regarding residence can be directed to housing@uwo.ca.