Western University said on Monday that students and staff returning to campus over the next two weeks must have at least three COVID-19 shots and wear masks in classrooms.Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Ottawa SUN, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc.
Gardner said his student council at Western is still collecting feedback and will be reaching out to the university for a meeting once he has a fuller picture of student concerns. Gardner also noted that some are receiving the news positively.Third-year music student Zack Ferns, 20, said he appreciates the safety efforts that Western has made throughout the pandemic to protect in-person experiences on campus.
“I do personally try and be cautious with regards to COVID, but I also am a bit sympathetic to some of the backlash that this decision has received,” he said. Chagla said Western’s policy doesn’t account for the fact that many people received third doses more than six months ago and may have waning immunity, he added, noting that the policy may not do much to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
“Students are calling for greater leadership from the government to provide clarity on proactive public health measures that ensure all students have access to high-quality post-secondary education whether they will be studying in person or remotely,” she said.