COVID outbreak prompts Western University to end non-academic activities

LONDON, Ont. — An outbreak of coronavirus disease has prompted Western University to shut down many non-academic activities.

The school in London, Ont., says 28 students — most of them off-campus — have tested positive.

One student in residence is in isolation.

The school, like Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., is also warning it will crackdown on those who put the health of others at risk.

Among new measures, Western has suspended athletics and recreation, as well as in-person club meetings and events.

Access to libraries and several other buildings are also now restricted.

“We know our students desperately want to have some on-campus experiences,” Alan Shepard, the university’s president, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this development means we will be limiting those experiences.”

On-campus classes continue, with about 25 per cent of courses having an in-person component. Residences are also still open.

Cover photo courtesy of Western University’s official Facebook page