Regina Catholic School Division unveils proof-of-vaccination policy for employees

The Regina Catholic School Division has unveiled its proof-of-vaccination requirement for employees.

In a statement released late Monday, the division said employees will have to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or regularly provide evidence of a negative COVID test.

“This initiative will help us provide a safe learning and working environment for our students, staff and communities,” said Sean Chase, the division’s director of education.

Board chair Vicky Bonnell concurred.

“The past year and a half have been challenging for us all; this administrative procedure will provide another means for limiting the possibility of transmission within our facilities,” she said.

Regina Public Schools announced last week that it would be instituting a similar policy. Other divisions, including the Prairie Valley School Division, also made their announcements Monday.

The Catholic division’s policy, which is to take effect in the coming weeks, will apply to all adults who work in or want to visit the division’s schools, central office, facilities and school buses. That means all employees and contracted workers will be impacted.

The division said “specific consideration” will be given to parents. The policy will not apply to students.

Those who opt not to get vaccinated will have to regularly produce a negative COVID test, using a test approved for use in Canada.

The division’s decision was announced after four more schools reported cases. There was one positive case identified at each of Holy Rosary School, Ecole St. Mary, Michael A. Riffel High School and Archbishop M.C. O’Neill High School.

On Tuesday, Regina Public Schools reported cases at six of its schools. There were three cases identified at Dr. George Ferguson School, two cases at Judge Bryant School, and one case at each of Ecole Massey School, Thomson Community School and Plainsview School.

As well, the Grade 2 classroom at Massey is to close Wednesday due to the number of cases seen in that class. Students are to learn remotely from Thursday until Oct. 15, with a return to school set for Oct. 18 if the students are symptom-free.

Since Sept. 1, Regina’s two largest school divisions have reported 154 cases at 52 schools and on three buses.