Western University is dealing with another COVID-19 outbreak at one of its residences, according to health officials.
The Middlesex London Health Unit declared the school's fourth outbreak on Tuesday after seven students tested positive at Elgin Hall.
Last Friday, Western announced outbreaks at Saugeen-Maitland Hall and Ontario Hall. An outbreak at Essex Hall declared on March 2 also remains active. Each residence has reported over 10 cases and at least one variant of concern.
On Monday, the health unit also declared an outbreak linked to a gathering of business students.
With the spike in cases within the university community, Western says it is implementing additional safety measures.
"The third wave is here, and it is real," said Matt Mills, Western’s director of health, safety and wellbeing. "We know the variants of concern are more easily transmissible, especially among young people, and we must redouble our efforts to keep ourselves, each other and the community safe."
Students are now required to wear three-layer non-medical masks while indoors and in the presence of others. The masks will be distributed by Western starting on Wednesday. Employees working within six feet of each other must also wear a face shield, as an added protective measure.
"Wear a mask, keep your distance, avoid in-person gatherings in uncontrolled environments, and wash your hands regularly," added Mills. "We're in the home stretch with vaccinations rolling out, and if everyone plays their part we will get to the finish line."