Testing for unvaccinated, masking to remain in place for U of S students and staff

The University of Saskatchewan has come out with some new rules for students, staff and visitors as a response to changing provincial health orders.

According to Patti McDougall, with the university’s Pandemic Response and Recovery Team, proof of vaccination won’t be required anymore as of Monday.

That applies to anyone going to Huskies games and to Merlis Belsher Place, and anyone using the Fit Centre.

McDougall says 99 per cent of the campus community is already fully vaccinated.

As for those who are not, they will still have to take rapid tests three times a week and upload those results until April 8. Anyone who has a vaccine exemption is also expected to continue with the terms of their agreement until that same date.

Even though the provincial mask mandate will be lifted on Feb. 28, that won’t be the case at the university. As with City of Saskatoon facilities, masks will be required for all visitors, students and staff on campus and in all indoor buildings.

That rule will remain in effect until April 30.

In a statement, McDougall said with the effects of the pandemic likely to continue for some time, university officials believe “the health and safety measures outlined … are necessary to ensure the safety of our campus community and beyond.”

It’s not clear whether the rules in place will be revisited once their deadlines approach.