George Brown College announced today that all visitors to the college campuses, including students and staff, will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1, 2021.
The announcement amends the college’s previous policy which went into effect on September 7. The revised policy removes the option of providing proof of a negative rapid test 72 hours ahead of arriving on campus.
Because the vaccines take two weeks to go into effect, visitors will need to have their second dose on or before October 18, 2021 to access campus on November 1. Rapid testing will continue to be available until November 1.
⚠️Important update to George Brown College’s vaccine policy. All students, employees, contractors & volunteers coming onto college premises are required to be fully vaccinated by November 1, 2021.
Full Policy & FAQs: https://t.co/3qOBmBjQMu (1/2) pic.twitter.com/LuEAQYSrk5
— George Brown College (@GBCollege) September 15, 2021
In a message published on GBC’s website, President Gervan Fearon cited concerns about the surge of the Delta variant, which has sent the province into a fourth wave, as part of the reason for tightening its policy.
“We respect the expertise of the scientific community, and support the position that vaccines provide the best protection against COVID-19,” Fearon said.
GBC’s revised policy comes while public health officials in Toronto and across Canada battle vaccine hesitancy. GBC’s policy is similar to that of other post-secondary schools in Ontario, including the University of Toronto, York University and Seneca College.
According to the college, exceptions will be made for people who are unable to be vaccinated for health or religious reasons, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Those who are granted exceptions will be required to provide proof through a letter from a doctor or religious leader.
The college is also opening COVID-19 vaccination clinics starting on September 20.
