Portage Collegiate student-athletes will have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result prior to playing come next month.

The Portage la Prairie School Division announced today that as of December 6, all Manitoban students, who are eligible to be vaccinated, must provide proof of vaccination in order to participate in indoor extra-curricular sports or show proof of a recent negative rapid test. This will be the rule for all PCI athletes as well as any athlete in junior high that is 12 years of age or older.

The division says students with just one dose of the vaccine will be eligible to play without providing test results. They add those who choose to go the rapid testing route will have to provide a negative test that was taken within the last 72 hours and has been confirmed by a pharmacist.

The PLPSD notes physical education classes will not require proof of immunization as it is a mandatory part of the curriculum. The organization adds students will have to provide the information necessary to their school principal ahead of participation.