By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for all employees in Ontario’s long-term care homes have finally arrived.
The move announced by the province Oct. 1, gives staff until Nov. 15 to get the shot. They will no longer be offered regular testing as an alternative.
The policy applies to everyone across the board, and employees who do not provide proof of vaccination or exemption will not be allowed to work.
Random testing for COVID-19 in workers will also be carried out in an attempt to detect possible breakthrough cases.
Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby called the move a “great step forward.”
Colby said he hopes it’s the first of similar policy decisions that will “protect the health of everyone in Ontario.”
