Anyone stepping foot on Fanshawe College's campuses will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
The post secondary institution announced on Thursday it is implementing a vaccination policy for all of its students, staff, and visitors for the fall term. The decision comes just two weeks after the college released new health and safety protocols for September that did not include a vaccination mandate for in-person learning and on-campus activities.
While the vaccination policy is still being developed, the college has stated it will require anyone coming onto any of its campuses to be fully vaccinated.
"Those who are not yet fully vaccinated, or have an approved exemption, will be required to participate in testing," the college said in a statement.
That differs from Western University's COVID-19 vaccine rules, which no longer contain an option for twice-a-week testing for unvaccinated students and staff who want to be on campus. An exemption is in place for individuals with an approved medical or Ontario human rights code reason for not getting the shot. Western announced its tightened COVID-19 vaccination requirements on Wednesday. Officials at the university are hopeful the new, stricter policy will help increase vaccination rates among the school community.
Fanshawe is working with public health officials on its vaccination mandate and intends to release details of its finalized plan in the near future.
Previously confirmed plans for Fanshawe's fall term include having 60 per cent of students study online full-time. Another 35 per cent will have a combination of online and in-person learning. The remaining 5 per cent will be on co-op and job placements. Physical distancing measures will be in place inside classrooms and under a new flexible work policy there will be a reduced number of staff working on campus on a daily basis. All those coming to campus will have to complete a mandatory online COVID-19 screening assessment daily, which college staff and security will be able to confirm has been done. Face coverings will remain mandatory in public spaces including labs and classrooms, hallways, reception areas, and dining halls.
In partnership with the Middlesex London Health Unit, the college will also be hosting eight immunization clinics for staff and students at its main campus at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. in London and at its south London campus at 1060 Wellington Rd. starting on Monday.
