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By Jaryn Vecchio

COVID Vaccination

P.A. council approves temporary exemption for proof of vaccine policy

Oct 18, 2021 | 8:32 PM

Those who’ve turned 12, or will soon, in Prince Albert are getting a small exemption when it comes to proof of vaccination.

The city’s council met on Monday where they approved a 90-day grace period for these kids to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

During this time, they can continue to play organized sports, take part in public events, and enter non-essential businesses.

The time limit will only start when the child turns 12.

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne, who brought the motion forward, said he isn’t expecting a lot of push back.

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“It was actually parents who were calling me, my office, asking me to help out the 12-year-olds.”

While the motion is intended to ensure kids can continue their normal routine as they start the process of getting vaccinated, Dionne also believes it should help increase local vaccination numbers.

In the north-central region, which includes P.A., around 71 per cent of eligible individuals are fully vaccinated. This is below the provincial average of 75 per cent.

Those between the ages of 12 and 17 have the lowest percentage in the region, sitting at 59 per cent.

While Dionne hopes to see these numbers improve, it seems more people are starting to get the shots.

While helping at the doors at previous Prince Albert Raiders games, as well as community events, Dionne claims there weren’t any unvaccinated individuals.

“Everyone who did get a rapid test had their first dose.”

Whether they get the vaccine for their own safety or to continue entering non-essential businesses and municipal properties, Dionne believes it’s important with the delta variant wreaking havoc.

“Our children are the most vulnerable and I’ve been watching this delta, the new variant, and it’s really affecting the youth.”

It’s not just youth, as there have been nearly 5,600 delta cases in Saskatchewan since Canada’s first case was discovered in British Columbia back in April 2021.

Meanwhile, Dionne doesn’t believe the motion will be updated anytime soon, even with those between the ages of 5 and 11 expected to receive their first shots in the coming weeks.

Pfizer announced on Monday they had asked Health Canada to approve the first COVID-19 for this age group.

The doses are about one-third the size given to adults and teens age 12 and up.

There’s no exact timeline on when Pfizer could get approval.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow