North Bay post-secondary schools undecided if vaccinations will be mandatory for students on campus

North Bay -

As the 2021-22 school year nears, health officials, the province and educators have to decide whether restrictions will be in place for unvaccinated students.

Officials at both Canadore College and Nipissing University said Thursday no decisions have been made yet on whether students and staff need to be fully vaccinated to be on campus.

“We hope it’s a non-issue prior to classes and we’re going to take a few weeks to mid-July to continue to monitor things closely,” said Canadore College president George Burton.

Seneca College in the Greater Toronto Area has already announced students and staff will be required to have COVID-19 vaccines in order to be on campus when the fall semester rolls around.

In a statement to CTV News, Nipissing University said no such requirement is currently in place.

“In an effort to maintain a safe and healthy work and learning environment, continue being a good community partner, and support the health and wellbeing of our campus and broader community, Nipissing University encourages all faculty, staff and students to get vaccinated if and when they are able,” the statement said.

The university is strongly encouraging students who have enrolled in residence for the fall semester to get vaccinated. Nipissing University is also granting time for its employees to attend vaccination appointments.

Meanwhile, in the elementary school system, Dr. Jim Chirico, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s medical officer of health, said he hopes children don’t face the threat of suspension if they are unvaccinated.

“I hope that doesn’t happen and we get as many people vaccinated,” said Chirico on Thursday. “We feel that in-person learning is really, really important.”

Students who don’t have their immunization records up to date during the school year face suspension. But, there is no word yet from the Ministry of Education whether the COVID-19 vaccine will be included in the list of mandatory vaccines.

In a statement, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board said it anticipates receiving more information in the coming weeks.

Lisa Collins, acting executive officer at the Near North District School Board, said parents have reached out to the board about their concerns about returning to school.

“We have been communicating to our student population and all of our families that it is recommended to get the vaccination and we have been encouraging that,” said Collins.

The health unit, however, said unvaccinated students could face certain restrictions in order to protect students and staff. The overall vaccination rate in the region and the province will likely play a role in determining what kind of restrictions would be in place.

“I’d hate to see another barrier and I also remind people that we’ve done a great job with our school boards who have been exceptional in putting in precautions,” said Chirico.

The health unit said it is on track to vaccinate all youth who want the shot before the school year begins.