Gov’t clarifies position on vaccinations and extracurriculars for students

The Saskatchewan government provided more clarification Tuesday on its policy toward students and extracurricular activities.

On Nov. 18, Education Minister Dustin Duncan said students shouldn’t be stopped from participating in in-class or extracurricular activities in schools because of their COVID-19 vaccination status.

On Tuesday, the government issued a media release saying school divisions in the province “cannot require proof of vaccination or the provision of a negative test result as a requirement for students to participate in extracurricular activities held on school premises.”

However, the government noted the policy doesn’t apply to spectators, parents, staff, coaches, volunteers or others who attend the events if they aren’t students.

“As per the current public health order, students participating in school activities including educational programs and school-organized extracurricular events and activities held within school premises are not subject to the proof of vaccination and negative testing requirements, and all persons except those participating in physical activity are required to wear a mask while indoors,” the release added.

As well, for any school-sponsored activities that are held outside the school, students will have to follow the building’s proof-of-vaccination or negative testing policies.

The government encouraged everyone to get vaccinated against COVID if they’re eligible to do so.

Duncan has said he considers extracurriculars an important part of the school year for a lot of students. He noted that for a lot of students, this is the third school year that has been impacted by COVID.