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.
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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UPDATE JULY 16, 2021
Great Plains College embraces Step 3 of Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan
As you are aware, the provincial government moved into “Step 3” of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan and lifted most COVID-19 restrictions. As such, masks are optional, and physical distancing, attendance tracking and screening questions are no longer required at each college location.
An updated version of the Great Plains College Re-Open Plan is now available. This document will be used as a guideline for fall semester and will continue to evolve as information becomes available from the Ministry of Health. With respect to program delivery, we have returned to 100 per cent on-campus/in-person program delivery with the exception of programs designed to be delivered in a blended format.
If you have any questions about your program or the college's Re-Open Plan, please contact your Program Coordinator directly or email info@greatplainscollege.ca.
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Duty to Report
Great Plains College is committed to creating and maintaining learning environments in which students, staff and others feel safe. The college cannot and will not ignore any threat of violence. To keep college communities safe, staff, students, caregivers and community members must report all threat-related behaviours to a Great Plains College staff member or call 1-866-296-2472.
A Student Violence Threat Risk Assessment will be initiated for behaviours including, but not limited to:
- Serious violence or violence with intent to harm or kill
- Verbal/written threats to harm or kill self/others
- Online threats to harm or kill self/others
- Possession of weapons (including replicas)
- Bomb threats
- Fire starting
- Sexual intimidation or assault
- Gang-related intimidation and violence
What you need to know
- An investigation may involve students, staff members, the police of jurisdiction, or other community agencies and may involve locker or personal property searches.
- Interviews will be held with the threat maker and other students or adults who may have information about the threat.
- Threatening behavior may result in disciplinary action.
- An intervention plan may be developed for the student making the threat and a support plan developed for any individuals targeted by threats.
For more information, download Great Plains College's Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol.
In Case of Emergency
Your instructor will review Great Plains College emergency procedures at the beginning of your program. You will be made aware of what to do in case of emergencies (such as fires, tornados, lockdowns, etc.), where to assemble outside and who to report your presence to.