By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A new COVID-19 vaccine policy is in effect for Chatham-Kent’s municipal employees.
Launched on Oct. 1, the policy requires employees and volunteers to declare their vaccination status as of Oct. 18.
Thereafter, testing will be mandatory for all employees and affiliated volunteers who remain unvaccinated.
According to a municipal media release issued last week, exceptions to the testing can be made only be with approval under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Chatham-Kent CAO Don Shropshire said he hopes the new policy will protect workers, their families and the public, adding the municipality continues to encourage all of its employees to be fully immunized.
“The Municipal of Chatham-Kent needs to be a leader in the community promoting vaccination,” Shropshire said in a statement, adding public health has been promoting the shot as a way out of the pandemic.
“We need to support them,” he added.
According to the report, separate policies are being developed for contractors and members of council. Visitors and patrons of municipal facilities must continue to follow vaccine passport guidelines.
