CHAT file photo

By Teagan Rasche

City schools to require proof of vaccination for staff, Prairie Rose to decide after election

Oct 13, 2021 | 5:09 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Across the province, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required to go to the movies, eat in restaurants and go to the gym.

Now, there’s pressure on Alberta schools to require the same for staff. Both Medicine Hat school divisions say they will require staff to be vaccinated.

“After consultation with the ATA, CUPE and the Coordination Committee, the board has developed a policy that mandates either vaccination or regular provision of a negative test before reporting to work,” Medicine Hat Public School Division superintendent Mark Davidson said. “It also applies to all adults entering the building.”

Davidson says it’s a logical step to take. The policy has been discussed quite a few times and was passed Tuesday.

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It comes into effect immediately.

“The expectation is that everyone is fully vaccinated by the 30th of November or they’ve informed us of their intent to participate in the rapid testing process instead,” Davidson said.

After a 3-2 vote at its board meeting Tuesday night, the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education will also implement the program.

“The impetus I think for the discussion came from a joint letter from the minister of health and minister of education requesting that all school jurisdictions in the province develop a mandatory vaccine procedure in their jurisdictions,” superintendent Dwayne Zarichny said.

Zarichny says the school board will give enough time for staff to become fully vaccinated, likely making it a requirement sometime in December.

For schools outside of the city, the decision will be made after the election on Oct. 18.

Outgoing board member Lucille Hertz says it’s best to leave the decision to the new board.

“They’ll be in for four years and I would hate to make this decision and run away,” Hertz said.

School boards also want to make it clear that it’s only a requirement for staff, not students.