The University of Windsor has extended its COVID-19 vaccine mandate to include all staff, faculty, and students.
On Thursday, the university announced vaccines would be mandatory for all student-athletes, while its website stated vaccines were "strongly encouraged" for those living in residence.
Now, the university has mandated that anyone returning to campus must have at least their first dose by September 1 and a second dose by October 1. Accommodations will be made for vaccination exemptions for medical reasons or under grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
"The health and safety of our campus community is our number one priority,” said Dr. Robert Gordon, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Windsor. “We have a responsibility to encourage vaccination, not only for the promotion of a healthy campus environment but as a partner in the Windsor-Essex community supporting broader public health protection”.
The University of Windsor is one of many post-secondary institutions that has mandated vaccines for its staff and students.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed applauds the move.
“The University’s announcement today is a critical step in our collective fight against COVID-19,” said Ahmed. “We are currently facing a potential 4th wave, and we must all work together to mitigate any further damaging health, social and economic impacts for our region."
This fall, classes at the university are being offered in a variety of delivery methods and a number of health and safety measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include capacity limits in campus buildings, masks, physical distancing protocols and requiring everyone to take a daily self-assessment.
