by: anna junker
four edmonton post-secondaries have announced a covid-19 vaccine mandate with proof of vaccination required for staff, students, and visitors, saying a negative rapid test will no longer be accepted as an alternative.
in a joint statement monday, the university of alberta, macewan university, norquest college, and the northern alberta institute of technology (nait), said vaccinations have proven to be a critical part of campus safety plans.
as such, campus community members and visitors will be required to be fully vaccinated against covid-19 in order to attend campus and they will be required to provide proof of vaccination.
“rapid testing will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination, except for campus community members who cannot be vaccinated based on medical or other protected grounds outlined in the alberta human rights act,” the joint statement reads.
“these individuals should follow the self-declaration exemption procedures already in place at their post-secondary institution and will be reasonably accommodated.”
for the university of alberta, the new protocols will go into effect on nov. 1.
“this means that students, faculty and staff will need to receive their second dose two weeks before nov. 1, and will need to provide proof of vaccination,” u of a president bill flanagan said in a
statement
.