The Township of Guelph/Eramosa is following the County of Wellington and the Town of Minto in implementing a vaccine policy for its staff.
Starting Oct. 22 — the same day Ontarians are set to receive QR code proof of vaccination — township staff who are not fully vaccinated will have to begin undergoing regular rapid testing, potentially at their own cost.
“Our policy is going to pretty much mirror the County of Wellington’s policy,” CAO Ian Roger said. “In terms of what they’ve developed, we’ve reviewed it and we’re going to adjust it very slightly to suit our needs.”
Starting next week staff will be advised to disclose their vaccination status to the township, Roger said. Although official numbers aren’t known yet, he estimates “just based on talking with our staff, we’re probably at 99 per cent (vaccinated).”
Among those who aren’t vaccinated, Roger doesn’t anticipate any pushback.
“I think they’re already making plans for the rapid testing,” he said.
Township of Guelph/Eramosa staff number between 70 and 80 people, Roger said. Those include volunteer firefighters, roads crews, administrators and employees in various departments including parks and water and sewer.
“The general public, as a rule, has indicated they’re expecting something like this," Roger said. "We’re an essential service... it's extremely important that all of our staff be vaccinated or adequately protected for dealing with the public."
The vaccine policy does not apply to councillors, but that could change. Council will discuss the matter further at an October meeting, Roger said.
“I think that’s going to be largely dependent on what the province may or may not change with their implementation on the 22nd,” he said.
