Employees of the City of Windsor are now the latest group of people who will need to prove they're fully vaccinated.
Windsor City Council, in a special meeting Thursday night, voted unanimously to accept a recommendation requiring all City staff to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
The policy takes effect on November 15. It covers all City employees, including administration, the mayor and council, along with any contractors or volunteers who attend any indoor facilities or worksites.
Mayor Drew Dilkens said all elected officials have walked the walk by getting vaccinated, now it's time for Windsor's employees to return the favour.
"We are doing all we can to ensure staff and residents are as safe as they can be from COVID-19," said Dilkens in a media release. "As leaders, each of my council colleagues, as well as the City’s corporate leadership team, have already been fully vaccinated, and now we’re requiring staff to do the same for the good of our community."
Council's decision comes days before the province of Ontario begins to require people to show proof of vaccination to use certain non-essential businesses, like indoor bars and restaurants, gyms, casinos, theatres, and others.
To accommodate employees who choose not to get vaccinated due to medical or human rights reasons, the City will examine each request on a case-by-case basis. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated, in the process of getting vaccinated, or has not submitted a medical or human rights exemption request, will be placed on unpaid leave beginning November 15.
The City of Windsor has not mandated that residents be vaccinated. However, residents are expected to follow guidelines regarding handwashing, physical distancing, and mask use regardless of vaccination status.