COVID-19 Update for Sept. 17: On-campus learning to resume Sept. 20; everyone coming to campus should physically distance
Posted: Sep 17, 2021 10:57 AM
| Updated: Mar 10, 2022 1:46 PM
Restriction exemption program in effect Oct. 8 at NAIT; must be fully vaccinated to be on campus as of Nov. 8; you will be able to upload proof of vaccination starting next week
Earlier this week, the provincial government declared a state of public health emergency and announced new public health measures to increase vaccination rates and reduce transmission of COVID-19.
Here is what you need to know about what the new public health measures mean for NAIT and key dates to be aware of as we move toward full implementation of the provincial government’s restriction exemption program on October 8 and our previously announced vaccine mandate on November 8.
- September 20: Shops and labs will resume on campus; some classes will shift online
- September 24: Get your first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on or before this date to be eligible to be on campus under the restriction exemption program
- October 8: Restriction exemption program in place; must provide proof of a first dose of a vaccine or of a negative test result to be on campus
- October 24: Get your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on or before this date to be eligible to be on campus under NAIT’s vaccine mandate program
- October 25: Must provide proof that you are fully vaccinated or of a negative test result to be on campus
- November 8: Must be fully vaccinated to be on campus; rapid testing will not be accepted as an alternative
- Everyone must wear masks in all indoor public spaces and maintain physical distancing
- Shops and labs will resume on campus where in-person learning is critical for completion of courses
- Some classes will shift online
- Students will hear from their school or program about any impacts to scheduled on-campus learning
- Some services will resume on campus with restrictions, while others will continue to be offered virtually; the Facilities and Services page will be updated as soon as possible
- Staff who are not required to be on campus to deliver a class or in-person service to students, or who do not have permission from their supervisor to work on campus, should continue working from home; check with your supervisor if you have questions
Effective Friday, October 8, NAIT will adopt the restriction exemption program as we work toward full implementation of our vaccine mandate on November 8.
This means by October 8 everyone coming to campus aged 12 and older must
- provide proof that they have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior; or
- show proof of a negative test result (tests must be privately paid COVID-19 PCR or rapid tests completed within 72 hours)
It is strongly recommended that those who still need a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine get one immediately and no later than September 24. Visit the Government of Alberta’s vaccine page to book your shot and for more information about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
NAIT is working with Alberta Health Services to offer on-campus vaccination clinics on September 22 and 23. Please note that appointments are limited, so book your shot now.
We will share information next week on how to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result.
When the restriction exemption program begins on October 8
As per the government’s restriction exemption program, everyone coming to campus aged 12 and older must
As announced earlier this week, starting November 8, everyone coming to NAIT campuses, including students, staff, contractors and visitors, will need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
To meet this requirement, everyone will need to receive their second dose as soon as possible and no later than October 24.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is the single most effective public heath measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Requiring everyone coming to campus to be fully vaccinated aligns with the current provincial public health guidance and supports NAIT's efforts to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 on our campuses.
More information on NAIT’s vaccine mandate will be provided in the coming weeks, including information on how to seek an accommodation for those who are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 due to a diagnosed medical condition or in accordance with a protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
Campus community members who cannot establish that they are fully vaccinated or who have not obtained a valid accommodation before November 8 will NOT be permitted on campus.
Withdrawal deadline extended
We understand students who do not intend to be fully vaccinated by November 8 or who do not want to provide proof of vaccination may consider withdrawing from their classes or, where possible, switching to online sections.
We have extended the withdrawal deadline to September 24 for degree, diploma and certificate students, and for apprenticeship and continuing education courses that continue past the November 8 vaccination deadline.
Visit Vaccine Mandate Student FAQs for more information.
Seek support, stay informed
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we respond to the ever-changing realities of COVID-19. We encourage you to reach out for any support you need.
You can find the latest information on NAIT’s response to COVID-19 at nait.ca/Covid19.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.
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