College grace period for unvaccinated ends soon

After Sault College implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for students, staff and faculty beginning Sept. 7, a grace period in effect for those who are unvaccinated comes to an end soon.  

“We have allowed a grace period for everyone to be fully vaccinated by the end of October. During the grace period anyone not fully vaccinated must provide a negative COVID test within 72 hours of accessing college property and must view an educational video on vaccination,” wrote Rick Webb, Sault College spokesperson in an email.

“As of Nov. 1, testing will only be permitted for those who have an approved medical or religious exemption,” the college states.

Webb said “the vast majority of staff and students have been vaccinated and it is a very small percentage of students and staff who have not.”

“Anyone not fully vaccinated by the deadline (Nov. 1) will be denied access to the college.”

Everyone on Sault College property must attest to being vaccinated at the Security desk upon entering.

“Security does random spot checks,” Webb stated.

Everyone must be masked unless eating in the cafeteria or common seating areas.

Despite the vaccination and proof of vaccination demands, many students are back after lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.

"We are excited to have a greater number of students on campus this fall. We have many options to learn, whether it be face-to-face, full remote or our hy-flex option but I can say as a long time educator it feels really good to see students on campus again. Our plans have been effective and safe as we gradually return to on campus activities” said Ron Common, Sault College president.

Enrolment numbers will be made available in October.