COVID – City employees can choose rapid testing over full vaccination

City of Kamloops employees who choose not to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 15 may choose regular rapid testing for COVID-19 instead.

The City made the announcement today (Nov. 1, 2021).

By Dec. 15, all City employees, contractors, and volunteers will be required to declare their vaccination status. Employees who are not fully vaccinated by that date will be required to undergo COVID-19 rapid antigen tests and participate in an online educational program about the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Employees who choose not to comply with the policy will be placed on an unpaid leave of absence and “may be subject to adverse employment consequences.” BC Human Rights Code accommodations will be made for employees who are unable to be vaccinated for a valid reason related to a protected ground.

“We strongly encourage all of our employees to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to follow all public health measures,” said David Trawin, the City’s Chief Administrative Officer.

“The policy timelines provide sufficient time for employees to get from first dose to fully vaccinated. This is a global pandemic, and we all need to do our part.”

The policy extends beyond current employees, outlining that all employees hired after Oct. 31, 2021, must be fully vaccinated.

The new policy appears to provide an answer to the issue surrounding Coun. Denis Walsh, who refuses to be vaccinated. Depending on what City council decides, he presumably could continue to attend council meetings if he agrees to regular rapid testing.

Walsh has already been through a bout with COVID last March.