Niagara Region Health top doc applauds businesses maintaining proof of vaccination

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Published March 2, 2022 at 12:14 pm

Niagara Regional Public Health acting Medical Officer of Health is applauding businesses that maintain proof of vaccination for entry. (Photo: Twitter)

While some Niagara restaurants are likely to be thrilled that COVID-19 mandates are easing up, especially after two years of up-and-down restrictions, a healthy handful of businesses, including eateries, are still maintaining the most contentious one – the proof of vaccination.

That move is being lauded by Niagara Region Public Health acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mustafa Hirji.

“While COVID-19 hospitalizations are decreasing for the moment, the pandemic has not been defeated and we can expect more surges of infection in the coming months,” said Hirji.

“I applaud the many organizations who are continuing with proof-of-vaccination and strongly recommend the maintenance of workplace vaccination polices.”

Yesterday (March 1), the province lifted most COVID-19 restrictions, increasing capacity for businesses to 100 per cent and that proof of vaccination would no longer be mandated for businesses.

At that time, Hirji said “with the removal of complementary provincial measures,” it make little sense to continue enforcing region-only mandates and said, “There will be no additional local requirements for food premises, retail premises, or indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities in Niagara beyond the provincial regulations.”

However, at the same time, he noted, Niagara  “strongly supports those employers who are opting to continue proof-of-vaccination requirements for patrons, as well as mandatory vaccination policies for staff. These organizations are demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the health and safety of their customers, employees and community.”

He further suggested that the provincial government incorporate booster doses into their proof-of-vaccination QR code system.

To that end, he added that Niagara Region Public Health “recommends that organizations strengthen their workplace vaccination polices by adding a booster dose requirement at four to seven months after the second dose.”

Noted Hirji, “Maintaining common sense precautions like vaccination, masking, staying home if sick, and vaccination policies will keep us safe through future waves.”

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