The County of Wellington has set a deadline of September 22, 2021 for all County of Wellington employees to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status.
The county said beginning October 23, employees who are not fully vaccinated will need to be rapid tested regularly for COVID-19. The County may require that the employee pay for each rapid antigen test, subject to any applicable laws and reasonable practices. However a media release said legitimate medical exemptions will be accommodated with each case considered on its own facts.
The release added the county considers vaccinations to be fundamental to the protection of our employees and the general public.
“Public Health data shows that the Delta variant poses a significant risk to those who are unvaccinated, including children under the age of 12,” said Warden Kelly Linton. “With the rising cases of COVID-19 in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph and across the province, the County has decided that we must do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the public we proudly serve.”
“Vaccinations are the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect people from the effects of the virus,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “I encourage everyone who can to get a first and second shot as soon as possible. I applaud Wellington County for taking this significant step to protect their employees and those who live in the County, particularly our children who are not yet eligible for a vaccine.”