Rules for unvaccinated City of London workers are being tightened as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the province.
As of Tuesday, the 129 city staffers who have claimed an exemption to the vaccine mandate will have to produce a negative rapid antigen test twice a week in order to work in-person. The cost of those tests, an estimated $10 each, will be covered by the city.
Workers who test positive will not be allowed at city properties. They will have to work remotely and could potentially be reassigned or have to take a leave of absence.
“We are seeing COVID-19 and specifically, the Omicron variant spread rapidly, both locally and across the Province. Because of this we have reviewed our policies and procedures and I have consulted directly with the acting chief medical officer of health," said City Manager Lynne Livingstone. "These additional measures are being put in place to help limit the spread and to protect our employees and the community as we face this evolving phase of the pandemic.”
The revision to the city's vaccine mandate was announced on Monday. It was the first time city officials made public the exact number of its employees who had submitted attestations for medical or human rights exemptions from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Other steps being taken to tighten public safety measures at the city include strengthening in-person screening protocols before an employee enters any workplace and reinforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eyewear in city vehicles.
At this point, the city will not be requiring its workers to get the booster shot as part of its mandatory vaccination policy. However, staff are encouraged to get the third dose as soon as possible.
COVID-19 cases in the London region have been steadily increasing over the past two weeks. On Monday, the Middlesex London Health Unit recorded 118 new infections, bringing the number of active cases to 857. That is up from 638 on Friday and 445 a week ago.
