Hospitals in Wellington County and Waterloo Region have announced a vaccine mandate for their staff, volunteers and contractors.
A press release states effective Oct. 12, staff, physicians, students, volunteers and contractors working at or with local hospitals will be required to be fully vaccinated or have submitted a medical or legislated exemption.
“Staff who do not meet this will be placed on leave without pay and given a short window into early-November to meet this policy,” the release states.
The new mandate is a joint initiative between: Guelph General Hospital, Homewood Health Centre, Groves Memorial Community Hospital, North Wellington Health Care Alliance, Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital.
Directive 6, issued by Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, mandates high risk settings must have COVID-19 vaccination policies in place by Sept. 7.
As outlined in policies coming into effect on Sept. 7, existing staff and volunteers who are unvaccinated will be required to undergo a mandatory education session along with twice-weekly antigen testing, submitting negative test results prior to coming on-site.
Anyone wishing to become fully vaccinated can book an appointment or attend a walk-in clinic offered through Region of Waterloo Public Health, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, pharmacies or other healthcare providers.
