The City of Fernie has adopted a formal vaccination policy for employees, contractors and volunteers operating on city property that requires proof of full vaccination by April 25.
At the council meeting on Jan. 24, chief administrative officer, Michael Boronowski brought the policy to elected official’s attention, saying that as an administrative issue, it was within his authority to introduce the policy for staff. Elected officials were not asked to make a decision on the matter.
“What we do know is that vaccines have proven now to reduce the spread for most (COVID-19) variants (and) reduce the length and severity of illness,” he said.
Boronowski said that the most recent wave of the omicron variant “brought us very close to not being able to deliver critical services that people need in this community,” underlining the need for the policy.
In early January, the city had warned that residents could expect reduced services due to a high number of COVID-19 cases affecting staff. How many staff were not working was not revealed, but snow removal was impacted in a period of high snowfall.
Under the new policy, all city staff, contractors with the city, and volunteers that work in close contact with staff on city-owned property (such as sports facilities) will need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated by Apr. 25, 2022.
Exemptions are in place for health and religious reasons, but those that are exempted will be subjected to further measures to reduce risk of transmission, such as remote work.
During discussion on the item, councillors voted on a motion to direct staff to develop a policy on vaccination for city councillors themselves, which will come forward at a future meeting.
READ MORE: COVID-19 brings ‘significant challenges’ for City of Fernie in staffing
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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