As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the focus has begun to switch to the requirements surrounding vaccinations of employees.
In a live press conference , Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry revealed that, as of today, health care workers and volunteers of long-term care, acute care and assisted living facilities must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
By October 12th, all employees must be fully vaccinated.
When asked how or if this rule may be implemented in other areas, Dr. Bonnie Henry said there are many ongoing talks with industries across the province.
Henry also revealed that even if businesses are non-essential, they are well within their right to impose a mandatory vaccination order in order to work there.
“Our role is to look at health” Henry said, “Yes, these are things that businesses need to make decisions about based on the risk of their business and the risk to their business.”
Henry said the decision to do so is a business decision.
Businesses, communities and groups can come together to implement that only fully-vaccinated participants or patrons visit their business or attend their event.
Henry said these measures are able to be put in place today as there are both adequate supplies of vaccines and availability to get vaccinated.
“Not getting vaccinated will affect your ability to do things you want to do,” Henry said.
