(file photo/Medicine Hat College)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required at Medicine Hat College

Sep 19, 2021 | 9:48 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- Students, faculty and visitors 12 and up at Medicine Hat College will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test starting Sept. 20.

In a news release statement, Medicine Hat College said they are shifting the timelines for vaccination and rapid testing in order to meet the province’s restriction exemption program.

“Medicine Hat College remains committed to delivering meaningful educational experiences in the safest environment possible. In order for us to return to near-normal operations, we need to take these steps,” said Kevin Shufflebotham, president and CEO.

Starting on Monday, Sept. 20, students, employees and visitors ages 12 and up will be expected to have:

• Proof of vaccination: Single-dose accepted between Sept. 20 and October 25 if received two weeks before accessing college facilities in Medicine Hat and Brooks and double doses required after Oct. 25. Anyone who received their first dose on or before Sept. 20 can attend campus, without waiting two weeks

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• Individuals must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1.

• Documentation of an existing medical exemption; or

• Proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test. The test must be conducted within 72 hours prior to accessing college facilities. Tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories are not allowed, as per government guidelines. Medicine Hat College said they are working to supply rapid test kits which will be available at a cost next week.

Individuals must be able to show one of the above pieces of documentation on request starting on Monday.

Medicine Hat College said there are processes in development for those who feel they have an exemption on medical or other protected grounds recognized by the Alberta Human Rights Commission. The college said more information is expected to be shared on Monday, Sept. 20.

“Like most post-secondary institutions in Alberta, Medicine Hat College was moving in this direction but the public health emergency declared earlier this week accelerated our timeline,” explains Shufflebotham. “We recognize there will be challenges as we implement the Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program and ask for people’s patience as we continue to work through details and processes in the coming day,” he said.