Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) is putting a new COVID-19 policy in place that will require all staff to declare their vaccination status.
A memo sent on Tuesday states that all employees, professional staff, affiliates, volunteers, and learners must make the hospital aware of their vaccination status before the new policy is implemented on September 7, 2021.
Staff must declare one of these four responses:
• I have received at least one dose of the vaccine and will receive a second dose when offered or when able to do so, based on WRH and/or provincial criteria (those who've had both doses of the vaccine would declare this option).
• I am unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons. (WRH will require documentation if someone declares this option).
• I have chosen not to be vaccinated at this time.
• I prefer not to provide WRH with my vaccination status.
Any staff members who declare the second, third, or fourth option must participate in a self-administered testing program before arriving on-premises.
"[Staff] will be required to be asymptomatic and have completed a negative test prior to entering the worksite," the memo from the hospital read. "Staff is to conduct a rapid swab test twice per week – Sunday and Wednesday before noon - regardless of the timing of their next shift."
Testing kits will be provided by the hospital, and those using them be required to complete an online submission each Wednesday and Sunday. Individuals will still be required to state whether they have been vaccinated or have completed a rapid test upon entry screening as well.
The hospital also plans to hold a virtual "town hall" on Thursday for staff who need more information or who have additional questions regarding the new policy. A FAQs page will also be sent out to workers after the meeting concludes.
WRH adds that policy may be changed or revised in the coming weeks based on the direction of provincial health officials.
Currently, nearly 90 per cent of WRH staff are already vaccinated. Federal health officials say Canada is headed towards a fourth-wave of the pandemic fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant that poses the most risk to those who aren't fully vaccinated.