An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at a Western University residence.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has confirmed five, fully vaccinated students at the post secondary institution have tested positive for the virus.
As a result, an outbreak was declared at Saugeen-Maitland Hall, where the five students reside.
"Western is prepared for this scenario and we are coordinating closely with the MLHU to ensure students are receiving appropriate care and that proper precautions are being taken to minimize further risk of transmission," said Chris Alleyne, Western's associate vice-president of housing and ancillary services.
Close contacts of the infected in the residence have been notified by the health unit and are self-isolating with support from the University.
Out of an abundance of caution, students in some identified classrooms are also being notified and asked to self-monitor for symptoms.
So far there is no evidence of classroom transmission, the university said in a statement.
Western declined to comment on the specifics of these cases to respect the privacy of the students.
This is the first outbreak in the London-area involving a post secondary residence this school year.
Western dealt with multiple COVID-19 outbreaks within its residences last March and April. The outbreaks became so widespread, the university encouraged its students to move out earlier than usual. Since the fall there has been a vaccination mandate in place to live in the student dorms and be on campus.
