Some municipalities in Windsor-Essex are crafting a mandatory workplace vaccination policy.
Windsor city councillors met in-camera on Monday and approved a motion directing administration to create a policy modeled by the Government of Ontario for all Ontario Public Service employees.
"As a major employer in the region, the City of Windsor has an obligation to set the tone and show leadership. Residents accessing services at City Hall need to have confidence that they are interacting with staff who are fully vaccinated and employees returning to the workplace need to know that all steps have been taken to safeguard their health and safety," said a statement from Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The policy will require proof of vaccination or bi-weekly testing of individuals who choose not to be vaccinated. The policy will be in place no later than September 7. The complete policy will include deadlines for vaccinations.
"With COVID-19 cases beginning to rise again and a fourth wave appearing inevitable, the single best chance we all have to avoid additional illness is to ensure that as many individuals as possible are vaccinated," said Dilkens. "City Council also directed Administration to work with each of our Agencies, Boards & Committees (such as the Windsor Police Service) and Government Business Enterprises (such as ENWIN), to extend this policy to those employees."
Late Monday afternoon, the County of Essex announced it would also be implementing a mandatory vaccine policy for all staff.
"We are taking this step for the health and safety of our employees and our community," said Mike Galloway, the county's chief administrative officer. "A fourth wave of COVID-19 fuelled by the Delta variant is at our doorstep, and vaccination is our most effective weapon against severe illness and death."
The municipality said exceptions will only be granted to employees who have a medical exemption or a "bona fide" religious objection under the province's human rights code. The policy will make vaccinations mandatory all employees including those who work with Essex-Windsor Emergency Medial Services and Sun Parlor Home. It will also apply to contractors and visitors to County of Essex facilities.
"We are grateful to all our employees who have already rolled up their sleeves and been fully vaccinated. This is how we can save lives and reduce the pressure on our health-care system." Galloway added.
The deadline for all County of Essex employees to be at least partially vaccinated follows Windsor's deadline of September 7. All workers must be fully immunized by no later than October 30.
