Frequent COVID-19 testing won't be enough to grant the unvaccinated access to Fanshawe College's campus.
The post-secondary institution announced a stricter COVID-19 vaccine policy on Friday. Under the newly tightened rules, all students, employees, contractors, and visitors must show proof of vaccination to be on campus this fall.
“Fanshawe’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is being developed to help protect our students and employees who must come on campus,” Brenda Henry, the college's senior manager of environment health, safety and emergency service, said in a statement. “We recognize the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our region, and we are committed to keeping our community safe.”
The new policy goes into effect on Tuesday. However, a grace period is being given until November 5 to allow people who aren't vaccinated to either get both doses or obtain a doctor's note for an approved medical exemption. Individuals with an approved exemption will have to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of going to campus.
"Those who are not fully vaccinated and who do not have an approved medical exemption will not be permitted on campus as of November 5," the college said.
Last week, Fanshawe officials had indicated they would allow unvaccinated people who don't have an approved medical exemption to submit to regular COVID-19 testing. The new tightened rules are in line with Western University’s COVID-19 vaccine policy, which also dropped the option of frequent testing for unvaccinated students and staff who want to be on campus.
Fanshawe previously announced it will operate at a reduced capacity during the fall term with 60 per cent of its students learning 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.
An education program on the benefits of vaccination is being offered at the college for those who have not yet chosen to get the shot.
