Public Health Measures – Important Information
Dear Colleagues,
As you know, Monday was the first day of a new public health order which enabled post-secondary institutions to implement a vaccine verification and rapid testing program. Here at SAIT, we saw introduction of the rapid testing clinic in the Orpheus Theatre and SAIT Alert app for vaccine verification.
However, SAIT has advised SAFA that Monday’s program compliance rates were less than expected, with just over half of all SAIT employees disclosing their vaccination status in the SAIT Alert app, and less than 200 people attending Monday’s rapid testing clinic. According to SAIT,“… if compliance is not improved, we risk having SAIT’s exemption withdrawn, and social distancing and other public health measures apply which would severely limit our capacity to have students continue with on-campus instruction. Effectively, it will force SAIT to move back to online learning.”
SAIT has asked that all employees enter their information into the SAIT Alert app, even if it is simply “prefer not to answer”, so that they may have a more accurate count of employees’ status. High rates of participation are the only way SAIT can comply with the government’s requirements. Individuals who choose “no” or not to disclose will need to provide rapid testing results on a regular basis.
SAIT also informs SAFA that starting Monday, September 27th, controlled access to campus will be re-introduced. Please plan for long lines and possible delays accessing buildings. While detailed plans are still in development, SAIT states, “it is our intent to ensure that those in compliance with the required use of the SAIT Alert app will be receive preferential treatment and given speedier access.”
SAFA is sharing this information with members, so they are aware of the impact of noncompliance with SAIT’s policy. If you need more information about downloading the app or signing up for testing, please go to the SAIT website. If you were unable to log into the SAIT Alert app or had issues accessing the rapid testing clinic this week, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.