COVID-19 vaccination no longer necessary for Burlington city staff to keep their jobs

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Published March 23, 2022 at 11:53 am

The City of Burlington has flip-flopped on its decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for city staff.

About five weeks before the policy was set to take effect, the city has now rescinded earlier decisions to ensure people were vaccinated. Staff who are not vaccinated will now have the option of provide regular negative tests.

Due to the nature of their jobs, this policy will not be in effect for firefighters, who will still need to be vaccinated to keep their jobs.

The vaccination policy for city staff was originally approved last September. It allowed for negative testing in addition to vaccination. On Jan. 5, the policy was amended, removing the testing option and requiring staff to be vaccinated by May 1.

Following provincial guidelines, the policy will now revert to the original mandate.

“Vaccination policies for our city staff and volunteers have been flexible throughout the pandemic, changing as needed to respond to health indicators and advice from health officials,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.

“Based on the current situation, and in keeping with advice from the Medical Officer of Health and the Province, we are modifying our policy once again. City volunteers won’t be required to show proof of vaccinations, and City staff (with the exception of the fire department, due to the nature of the job) have the choice of vaccination or testing.”

Passive screening for the public visiting City facilities will continue to be in place. Members of the public who wish to continue to wear their mask in City facilities are welcome to do so and we ask the public be patient and kind with one another and staff as we move through these changes together. Daily active screening of City employees and source control masking will remain in place for City staff.

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