Health

UPDATE JULY 19, 2023

Great Plains College has resumed the majority of its in-person activities at all of our locations. We encourage all students, staff, and faculty to take precautions that they believe are appropriate, including staying current with your vaccinations, as per public health guidelines. 

If you are feeling unwell or sick, please remain off campus until your symptoms have diminished, so that other staff and students do not catch your illness. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting our campus community and ensuring we all have a healthy and safe environment in which to learn, teach and work. 

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UPDATE NOVEMBER 24, 2022

REMINDER: college protocols re. illness

As you are likely aware, Saskatchewan Health Authority has identified a number of respiratory viruses circulating throughout Saskatchewan communities. Identified organisms include: COVID, influenza A, RSV and the common cold viruses. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, cough, chills, muscle aches, headache and a runny nose, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.

Hence, we wanted to send a quick reminder about internal college protocols for individuals who are symptomatic or feeling unwell. If you are sick, please remain off campus until your symptoms have diminished, so that other staff and students do not catch your illness.

Regardless of your vaccination status, if you are sick with COVID, please follow the government directions as outlined on their website. As of today (November 24, 2022), these directions include:

• Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate immediately.
• Recommended self-isolation period is the longest of either of the following:
  • five (5) days from the date of test or
  • twenty-four (24) hours since any fever has resolved, without the aid of fever-reducing medications and all other symptoms are improving for at least 48 hours.
• Up to 10 days after testing positive, continue to reduce exposure to others by distancing, wearing a mask, practicing respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene and limiting contacts. 

Should you have any questions or for more information please call the Saskatchewan Healthline at 811.

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UPDATE AUGUST 17, 2022

As we enter the next academic year, Great Plains College would like to remind you of the following: 

Illness (COVID or otherwise) 

• Individuals who are symptomatic (for any reason – covid, cold, flu, etc.) are required to stay home. 
• You may return to campus when you are symptom free.

If you test positive for COVID but are not symptomatic.

• Please check the Government of Saskatchewan’s website for direction: Self-Isolation | Living with COVID | Government of Saskatchewan.

As of August 17, 2022, the website states:

• Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, whether through a PCR or rapid antigen test, should self-isolate immediately at home or in another suitable environment.
• Up to 10 days after testing positive, continue to reduce exposures to others by distancing, wearing a mask, practicing respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene and limiting contacts especially with people at high risk for severe disease (older, immune compromised, etc.) and settings with people at high risk such as visiting long term care.
• Regardless of vaccination status, it is recommended you self-isolate for five days from the date of test or 24 hours after fever has resolved without the aid of fever-reducing medications and all other symptoms have been improving for at least 48 hours, whichever is later.
• Contact “Healthline 811” if you require further direction/questions.

Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to a safe, healthy year ahead!

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UPDATE FEBRUARY 15, 2022

On Tuesday, February 8, the provincial government announced that it will be lifting its vaccine passport policy. This means that the college will be suspending its COVID-19 Additional Measures Policy as well. Proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 test results are no longer required to visit, work, or study at Great Plains College, as of Monday, Feb. 14.

Masks will continue to be required in college facilities until Feb. 28. After that date, the college will support a “mask-friendly” environment – one where staff, visitors and students may use masks if and when they choose to do so.

The college will continue to uphold our health and safety measures. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you:

• practice good hand hygiene - wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• sneeze or cough into your sleeve or elbow - throw away soiled tissues as soon as possible, followed by hand washing.
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• physically distance yourself from others, when possible.
• continue to self-monitor and stay home if you are feeling unwell.

Additionally, if you are symptomatic, we ask that you stay home to help reduce the spread of illness and take a rapid test. If you test positive for COVID-19, it is expected that you will isolate for a five-day period. Please inform your instructor or supervisor so that learning/work and cleaning arrangements can be made.

Stay safe and stay well.

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UPDATE JANUARY 31, 2022

Effective January 28, as per the Government of Saskatchewan’s Public Health Order, individuals who receive a positive test result on a PCR or rapid antigen test will be required to self-isolate for five days, regardless of vaccination status. You are required to self-isolate for five days from the date of test or 24 hours after fever has resolved without the aid of fever-reducing medications and all other symptoms have been improving for at least 48 hours, whichever is later. Previously, unvaccinated individuals who had tested positive were required to self-isolate for 10 days. 

Additionally, close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases will no longer be required to self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status. If you are a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should self-monitor for symptoms and continue to use publicly available rapid antigen tests for asymptomatic surveillance. As such, college-wide messages with respect to those who were previously “likely to be deemed a close contact” within the college will cease immediately.

If you are currently self-isolating for 10 days because you are an unvaccinated confirmed case or a close contact of a case, you are able to amend your self-isolation period as of noon, January 28, in accordance with the Public Health Order if asymptomatic. If you are symptomatic, you must continue to self-isolate until your symptoms resolve. 

All individuals should be self-monitoring, self-testing and self-managing to help prevent transmission, given the transmissibility of the Omicron variant. If you do test positive for COVID-19, please continue to inform your instructor or supervisor so that learning/work arrangements can be made.

Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation.

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UPDATE DECEMBER 16, 2021

The college has updated its Additional Measures FAQs. The "Top 5" FAQs are below. For a full listing, open the Additional Measures FAQs PDF.

1. What is Great Plains College’s requirement for COVID-19 vaccinations?
As strong advocates for the COVID-19 vaccination as the most effective, quickest means to restore a full, safe experience, Great Plains College will require COVID-19 vaccination for students, staff and visitors as of November 22, 2021.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who choose not to disclose their vaccination status will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous seven (7) calendar days to attend Great Plains College campuses.

2. Why is Great Plains College requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test to be on campus after November 22, 2021?
Great Plains College is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students and employees. We have a larger obligation to our campus communities as well. This is a responsibility we take very seriously.

Given the continued number of COVID-19 cases, the emerging Delta and Omicron variants and the low vaccination rate among the 18–29-year-old demographic that largely makes up the student population, Great Plains College has determined the best course of action is to require students and employees on campus to be fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test result.

3. Who does the COVID-19 Additional Measures Policy apply to?
- employees who work in face-to-face, blended and remote working environments,
- students,
- volunteers,
- visitors,
- contractors,
- management, and
- the Board of Governors.

4. How do I need to declare/provide proof of my vaccination status?
 

Employees

• Employees are required to submit a completed Vaccination Status Declaration Form to gpchr-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca.
• Employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test via email to gpchr-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca or by contacting the Human Resources Administrative Assistant to provide visual verification.

Students
- Students can submit proof of vaccination using any of the following methods:

• Students will receive an email with a Teams form link. Students can upload acceptable proof of vaccination documents to this Teams form and submit.
• Contact your local Student Adviser to have your QR code scanned or to provide visual verification of vaccination status.
• Call (306) 778-5478 or email GPCStudents-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca to make arrangement to have QR code scanned or to provide visual verification of vaccination status via video.

5. What is considered acceptable proof of full vaccination? *
Acceptable proof of vaccination includes:

• an e-health COIVD-19 Proof of Vaccination or COVID-19 Vaccination Record/Certificate (may include QR code),
• a wallet vaccination card received at the time of vaccination,
• a screenshot of the vaccination status from the SK Vax Wallet or other wallet app,
• a vaccination record printout from Public Health,
• an out-of-province vaccination certificate from the home province’s electronic health records system, or
• international vaccination documentation that demonstrates meeting the definition of full vaccination in Saskatchewan.

All proof of vaccination must include the individual’s first name, last name and vaccination dates.
*NOTE: Students, visitors, volunteers and contractors are required to present photo identification along with proof of vaccination.

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UPDATE DECEMBER 16, 2021

Please be advised that the college will be closed for the holiday break starting Thursday, December 23, 2021, and will reopen on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

There is no expectation of testing or submission of testing results for COVID-19 during the closure.

However, the requirement of a negative test result or full vaccination status will commence on January 4 when the college reopens. In order to access campus on Tuesday, January 4, a negative test result from an approved lab or proof of full vaccination must be emailed to GPCStudents-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca (students) or gpchr-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca (staff) no later than noon on Monday, January 3, 2022.

As the COVID-19 Additional Measures Policy Student policy and procedures indicate, proof of full vaccination or a negative test result is required every 7 days to access your campus and program. As such, a rapid test by an approved lab must be taken by Tuesday, December 28, or later to have access for the full day on Tuesday, January 4.

Starting in January 2022, the college will no longer be providing testing on site.

Approved testing labs can be found at Where to get Tested | Testing Information | Government of Saskatchewan. Self-administered rapid antigen tests will NOT be accepted. Some of the labs will provide discount if you show your Great Plains College student ID.

Thank you for your time and diligence as we continue to navigate the pandemic. Have a safe, healthy and joyful holiday season.

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UPDATE NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Please be reminded that staff, students, contractors and campus visitors must provide either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry of any college location.

As such, we continue to offer students and staff on-site testing at Great Plains College locations. Canmar Occupational Testing has been contracted to administer rapid-antigen testing for Great Plains College employees and students from November 15 – December 22, 2021. As a licensed facility (by Saskatchewan Health Authority), Canmar is well-positioned to provide this service.

There is no cost to staff or students for the tests administered at Great Plains College locations. However, if you choose to obtain a test outside of what is being offered through the college, this will be done on your own time and at your own expense. Great Plains College will not reimburse individuals for costs incurred to obtain tests off-site.

Timelines and location

Students and staff who work in a location other that the six listed above are welcome to take advantage of the scheduled testing at those sites. In the meantime, it’s recommended and encouraged that you obtain your full vaccination status to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and ensure our campuses are as safe as possible.

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UPDATE NOVEMBER 12, 2021

Canmar Occupational Testing has been contracted to administer rapid-antigen testing for Great Plains College employees and students from November 15 – December 22, 2021. As a licensed facility (by Saskatchwan Health Authority), Canmar is well-positioned to provide this service.

If you are not fully vaccinated, or able/willing to submit proof of vaccination by November 18, you will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in order to access campus on November 22.

There is no cost to staff or students for the tests administered at Great Plains College locations. However, if you choose to obtain a test outside of what is being offered through the college, this will be done on your own time and at your own expense. Great Plains College will not reimburse individuals for costs incurred to obtain tests off-site.

Timelines and location

Testing will take place at each Great Plains College location every 7 days.

The schedule for the week of November 15-19 is as follows:

The testing schedule for subsequent weeks will be supplied on November 17, 2021. Students and staff who work in a location other that the six listed above are welcome to take advantage of the scheduled testing at those sites.

Process

Individuals who require rapid tests in order to be on campus November 22 and subsequent weeks will be able to drop by the pertinent room within the identified time to have the test administered. Results will be available within approximately 15 minutes of the test.

Upon completion of the test, Canmar is expected to destroy the physical test in accordance with appropriate health protocols. Each individual will receive documentation of the test result and will be asked to fill out a release form, which will allow Canmar to send test results for employees/students on the day of testing to the college.

Individuals who choose not to sign the release are responsible to submit proof of negative test or they will be considered to be in non-compliance. To submit proof of a negative test result, independent of Canmar, students and employees can:

• attach acceptable negative COVID-19 test results documentation to an email and send it directly to GPCStudents-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca (students) or gpchr-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca (staff).
• contact your local Student Adviser or designate (students) or the Human Resources Administrative Assistant (staff) to arrange to provide visual verification of your negative COVID-19 test result documentation; or
• call (306) 778-5478 or email GPCStudents-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca (students) to make arrangements to provide visual verification of vaccination status via video.

Staff and students who are not fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022, will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from an approved lab every 7 calendar days. This test will be taken on the individual’s own time and at their own expense.

If you have any questions, please email GPCStudents-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca (students) or gpchr-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca (staff). In the meantime, it’s recommended and encouraged that you obtain your full vaccination status to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and ensure our campuses are as safe as possible.

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UPDATE NOVEMBER 2, 2021

As part of the new COVID Additional Measures Policy, students at Great Plains College are now able to submit proof of vaccination. As a current student at Great Plains College, you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test by end of business day November 18, 2021, in order to access campus on November 22, 2021. 

Acceptable proof of vaccination includes:

Photo ID that includes individual’s first and last name and 

• an e-health COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination or COVID-19 Vaccination Record/Certificate (may include QR code)
• a wallet vaccination card received at the time of vaccination.
• a screenshot of the vaccination status from the SK Vax Wallet or other wallet app
• a vaccination record printout from Public Health
• an out-of-province vaccination certificate from the home province’s electronic health records system
• international vaccination documentation that demonstrates meeting the definition of full vaccination in Saskatchewan

All proof must include your first name, last name and vaccination dates.

Disclosure of vaccination status is accomplished through a verification process and by filling out an individualized form. To submit: 

• Upload acceptable proof of vaccination documentation via the TEAMS form link (which was emailed directly to your GPC email address on November 2) and submit.  
• In person: Contact your local Student Adviser or designate to have your QR code scanned or to provide visual verification of vaccination status. 
• By video: Call (306) 778-5478 or email GPCStudentsCOVID19@greatplainscollege.ca to make arrangements to have QR code scanned or visual verification of vaccination status.

International students are encouraged to submit their out of country vaccine certificates to Saskatchewan Health in order to open an e-health account and receive Saskatchewan approved and issued vaccination documentation. To access, visit your Student Adviser.  

If you are not fully vaccinated by November 18, 2021, you will be expected to submit proof of negative COVID-19 test prior to coming into any college location on November 22, 2021. The college will be providing rapid antigen testing for staff and students at each location from November 15 to December 22, 2021. The cost of these tests will be paid by the college. A schedule and further direction will be provided by email to all Great Plains College students closer to the date.

Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation. Full procedures for proof of vaccination submission can be found below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Student Adviser or email GPCStudents-COVID19@greatplainscollege.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Additional Measures Policy

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UPDATE OCTOBER 19, 2021

Please be advised that the college will be implementing a proof of vaccination or test policy. The COVID Additional Measures policy is in effect as of October 15, 2021. Note that detailed procedures will be available within the next two weeks.

Starting Monday, November 22, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will be part of the requirements for employment and being a student or visitor at Great Plains College. Individuals that are not fully vaccinated will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID test prior to coming into any college location. The college will be covering the cost of and providing access to rapid tests for its staff and students at its locations until December 22, 2021.

As a result of these additional measures, a temporary extension to the refund schedule has been put in place. If you are interested in this option, please refer to the admissions-scholarships/fees-tuition/refund-schedule for details or speak with a student adviser.

Staff and students who are not fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022, will continue to be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from an approved source every 7 days. This test will be taken on the individual’s own time and at their own expense.

I realize there may be many questions about the procedures and implementation of this policy. I appreciate your patience as we continue to work through the details. In the meantime, it’s recommended and encouraged that you obtain your full vaccination status to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and ensure our campuses are as safe as possible.

Respectfully,

David Keast

President & CEO

Great Plains College

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UPDATE SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

Please be advised that Public Health has recently updated their “close contact” information.

Based on the “close contacts” definition in the attached Saskatchewan Health Authority document, staff and students that are in the classroom/unit where an individual tests positive are likely to be considered close contacts. Because of the increase in volume of COVID-19 cases Public Health may be unable to contact individuals who may be exposed.

To help control the spread of COVID-19, Public Health requires, as outlined in the “What you need to know as a Close Contact to COVID-19” document (released September 10, 2021) is the following:

• If you are symptomatic – stay home; contact HealthLine 811 for further direction.
• If you are not symptomatic AND 
  • You are fully vaccinated (you have received your second dose of the vaccine at least 14 days prior to exposure) – self-monitor and continue to attend class/work in person.
  • You are not fully vaccinated (you have not received your second vaccine dose at least 14 days prior to exposure) – self-isolate and contact HealthLine 811 to arrange for a COVID test.
  • You are not vaccinated - self-isolate and contact the HealthLine at 811 to arrange for a COVID test.
• If you are in doubt as to whether you should self-isolate or self-monitor, contact the HealthLine at 811. 

We expect all employees and students to comply with Public Health’s requirements.

If you are required to self-isolate, please inform your instructor/supervisor to arrange for remote learning/work.

Our priority, as we navigate through this pandemic, is to continue to have a healthy and safe working and learning environment for students and staff. Thank you for your time and patience. Stay safe and keep well.

"What you need to know as a close contact to COVID-19" 

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UPDATE SEPTEMBER 17, 2021

The Government of Saskatchewan has recently released new restrictions in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Effective today, September 17, 2021, an “interim province-wide mandatory masking order will be implemented for all indoor public spaces” (see Public Measures | COVID-19 | Government of Saskatchewan for more information). This means that a mask is required while on campus, even when distancing is possible, until further notice. 

The Government of Saskatchewan will make proof of vaccination or negative test requirements mandatory for all Government of Saskatchewan ministry, crown and agency employees as of October 1. It is also encouraging employers, including Saskatchewan’s colleges, to implement a proof of vaccination or negative-test requirement for employees in the workplace.

At this point, Great Plains College does not require proof of vaccination or negative test requirements for staff or students. As with all things COVID, this may change as the Ministry of Health makes vaccination records verifiable and protocols regarding proof of negative test requirements become more readily available. We are working closely with Public Health and the Ministry of Advanced Education to determine the best course of action and to ensure the health and safety of college communities.

In the meantime, please continue to adhere to the following safety measures: 

• wear a mask in the facility.
• continue to practice good hand hygiene.
• wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• sneeze or cough into your sleeve or elbow. Throw away soiled tissues as soon as possible, followed by hand washing.
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• physically distance yourself from others, when possible.
• continue to self-monitor and stay home if you are feeling unwell.

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UPDATE AUGUST 25, 2021

Over the past number of months, Great Plains College has worked in collaboration with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Public Health to maintain the health and safety of all.

Although Public Health encourages individuals to obtain their vaccination, you do not have to disclose if you are vaccinated and it is not a prerequisite for attending, visiting, or working at the college at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with our partners to ensure our practices, with respect to health and safety, are in step with what they deem necessary.  

For more information, watch our latest Health & Safety video or view our Re-Open plan. A list of FAQs are also available for your reference. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the college directly at info@greatplainscollege.ca or 1-866-296-2472.

Re-Open plan
Frequently Asked Questions

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