COVID-19 Employee FAQ

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccination or booster shot on campus?

Western’s on-campus vaccination and testing centre is open to King’s employees and students. Community members can book an appointment through Western’s vaccination website. You can also visit other vaccination clinics across Ontario.

If I am on campus, do I need to wear a mask?

No. As of May 4, 2023, you will not be required to wear a mask in instructional spaces or anywhere else on King's campus. However, if you choose to still wear a mask, your choice will be respected.

Read the message from Dr. Robert Ventresca, King's Interim Academic Dean.

Do I have to take the COVID-19 self-assessment in order to come to campus? 

All employees and faculty are encouraged to complete the COVID-19 self-assessment screening tool every time you come to campus. This tool is updated regularly with all necessary changes to protocols as they are rolled out. By using Ontario’s self-assessment tool, you can be assured that you can come to campus without risk to your health or to others within the community. If this self-assessment tool alerts you that you did not pass, please email your supervisor and cc: HR@kings.uwo.ca.

I have not passed the COVID-19 self-assessment screening tool – what do I do? 

If you have not passed the COVID-19 self-assessment screening tool you are required to notify your leader (i.e., Dept. Chair, Manager, Supervisor) and Human Resources at hr@kings.uwo.ca.   

Please follow the directions provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health. 

 I have symptoms and I am concerned I may have COVID-19. Now what?

For guidelines on what to do if you have symptoms, please complete the COVID-19 self-assessment screening tool.

If you are not feeling well, please notify your leader and Human Resources at hr@kings.uwo.ca.

 When can I return to work after having COVID-19? 

We ask you to complete the provincial COVID-19 self-assessment and follow the directions provided.

I have been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), rapid molecular, or rapid antigen test. Now what?

For guidelines on what to do if you are a close contact, please complete the COVID-19 self-assessment screening tool.

If you are identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please notify your leader and Human Resources at hr@kings.uwo.ca.  

What should I do if a student tells me that they have COVID-19 symptoms or have failed a COVID-19 test?

Please contact Joe Henry, Dean of Students at acsd@kings.uwo.ca for follow-up and support.

What measures are in place to ensure the health and safety of the campus community? 

The health and safety of our campus community is our top priority. To achieve this during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have and will continue to implement significant changes. 

Rigorous cleaning schedules are in place across all spaces on campus. 

I am concerned about ventilation and air quality. What is King’s doing in this regard?

King’s has undertaken a review of HVAC systems. The most current information is available here. Jade Air Purifiers are installed in classrooms across campus. Each air purifier has five stages of filtration including hospital-grade HEPA filtration (H13 or MERV 17), allowing for filtration of particles as small as viruses. They also contain a UV light that will inactivate viruses. The air purifiers are very quiet and compact, making them ideal for our classrooms.

How do I access mental health or physical health supports?

You can access confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the King’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (FSEAP) at 1-844-720-1212. You can find information by downloading the FSEAP app or going to their website. There you will see service details, health, and wellness newsletters, and you can search through a library of health and wellness articles on topics such as health and well-being, family and relationships, life, work and more.

Can I hold my office hours on campus?

Faculty may continue to hold their office hours virtually. If meeting with students in office is required, please observe all on-campus safety protocols.

Will the COVID-19 pandemic affect how I conduct my research?

Please refer to the up-to-date information from the King’s Research Office.

Does King’s Research Ethics Review Committee (RERC) need to approve measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during research?

Please refer to the up-to-date information from the King’s Research Office.

My research study was approved by King’s RERC, but now I need to make changes to the proposed study activities in order to better protect against COVID-19: Does the RERC need to approve these changes?

Please refer to the up-to-date information from the King’s Research Office.

How do I access King’s library services?

The Cardinal Carter Library is open and all services are running as normal. No food is permitted in the library; however, lidded beverages are welcome. 

Please refer to the Library’s COVID-19 Updates page.

Is Campus Ministry holding in-person events this year?

Campus Ministry is looking forward to multiple in-person events this year, including retreats, lectures and other community-building events. Mass continues to be celebrated at the Windermere on the Mount Chapel. If there is a need to adjust, we will follow all University protocols and are well-equipped to live-stream. For the most up-to-date information please visit the Campus Ministry page.