Prairie Valley School Division to require proof of vaccination from employees

The Prairie Valley School Division announced Monday a vaccination policy for its employees.

In a media release, the division — which operates 39 schools in southern Saskatchewan, including some in the area around Regina — said employees will have to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or evidence of a negative COVID test once a week.

“It is up to the individual to choose the path they wish to take in order to remain an employee in good standing,” Prairie Valley School Division director of education Luc Lerminiaux said in the release.

“We feel it is important to introduce this initiative for staff and any other individual spending a significant period of time with our children, particularly those who are not yet eligible for vaccination.”

Last Tuesday, trustees for Regina Public Schools voted to create a similar policy for employees.

The full administrative procedure is to be released in mid-October. It’s to apply to all employees and trustees of the division as well as anyone who interacts directly with students during activities approved by the school division.

Prairie Valley said it will accept as proof of vaccination the card handed out by the Saskatchewan Health Authority at the time of vaccination, a copy of a vaccination record obtained online through MySaskHealthRecord, records entered into the new digital SK Vax Wallet or a letter of verification from a doctor or pharmacist in this province.

People who don’t get vaccinated will have to provide a negative result using a rapid test approved for use in Canada.

The division has schools in communities near Regina such as Balgonie, Pense and White City and some further away such as Broadview, Kennedy and Whitewood.