[September 8, 2021]

Research Capacity: With recent requirements for proof of vaccination, and flexible physical distancing requirements, we are now able to increase capacity in our research spaces to 100 per cent, provided all personnel continue to follow PPE and cleaning requirements.

Research Involving Visitors to Campus: All visitors to campus – including research participants – are to adhere to Western’s policy requiring mandatory proof of full vaccination status. These efforts will help ensure we continue to maintain a safe campus for all members of our community.

Researchers interested in welcoming research participants to campus are required to obtain and document proof of vaccination status for all participants who are unaffiliated with the university. Confirmation must be obtained in advance of their arrival on campus.

Please do not keep copies of vaccination documents; however, a record of receipt of proof will mitigate the need to confirm vaccination status for any recurring visit by the same participant.

Participants who are exempted from vaccination according to MAPP 3.1.1 must provide evidence of this exemption status, as well as two negative COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, commencing one week prior to each visit to campus. These tests, recurring for each week the participant plans to visit campus, must be separated by a minimum of 72 hours (e.g., if first tested for the week on Monday at 12 p.m., the next test must occur Thursday at 12 p.m. or later in the same seven-day period.) These tests are available in Western’s Graphic Services Building.

For every visit, all participants and research personnel must continue to follow existing protocols of filling out the COVID health questionnaire and adhering to all PPE, distancing and cleanliness practices in the research area.

Field Research: For all field research activities, all Western researchers are to adhere to guidelines provided by the relevant field site.

Questions: Adherence to research guidelines continues to be the responsibility of each academic unit. When in doubt, however, please think safety first and contact your faculty Associate / Assistant Dean (Research) for further information.