Staff with the Region of Waterloo will need to show proof of vaccination by Sept. 27
Staff who are not vaccinated or choose not to disclose vaccination status to undergo training, rapid testing
Staff with the Region of Waterloo will be required to show proof of vaccination by Sept. 27, the region announced Monday.
According to a release, staff who are not vaccinated or choose not to disclose their vaccination status will be required to undergo education training on the benefits of being vaccinated against COVID-19 and be required to undergo rapid testing.
This would also apply for staff who aren't fully vaccinated, said Regional Chair Karen Redman in a media briefing Monday.
"Clearly somebody who's had their first shot may have not gotten around to getting their second shot so we'll definitely work with them, but there will be a requirement to participate in rapid antigen testing as well as the educational program for people who aren't fully vaccinated," she said.
The policy applies to all staff, including volunteers and students, Redman added. Paramedics are also subject to the mandate, however members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service are not, since they are not regional employees.
Unvaccinated staff will need to undergo rapid testing at least once a week, spokesperson Lynsey Slupeiks told CBC-KW, adding that schedule may change "to align with operational requirements."
When asked if a staff member would be put on leave if they refuse to disclose their vaccination status or refuse to undergo rapid testing, Redman said the policy is still in its early stages and that region will continue to work with staff.
"This is very much a starting point for the region ... and we will always come from a place of support and coaching," she said.
"This is early days and we will continue to work with staff."
The region's vaccine policy is in addition to other safety protocols, such as the installation of Plexiglas barriers, hand-sanitizing stations, masking protocols and daily self-screening for staff.
The region employs roughly 3,500 people, according to Redman.
"This policy puts the health and wellbeing of staff first," said Bruce Lauckner, chief administrative officer for the region in a release.
"As we continue to move through a fourth wave of COVID-19 in Waterloo Region, we want to ensure our employees can continue to serve this community safely and effectively."