Penticton latest to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for staff, politicians

The City of Penticton has joined a growing number of municipal governments and will be implementing a mandatory vaccination policy.

The policy, which will require staff to be fully vaccinated, is set to take effect Jan. 4 and is intended to protect the health and safety of staff, the public they serve and continue ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, according to the city's press release. 

READ MORE: City of Kamloops employees require mandatory COVID vaccinations

Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and the Capital Regional District are examples of governments that have introduced similar requirements, the city said.

Jan. 4 was chosen to allow sufficient time for employees who have not yet received their first dose of vaccine to become fully vaccinated. Following this date, all city employees, along with council members, will be required to confirm they are fully vaccinated, the city said.

“Implementing a vaccination policy at this time is one additional measure to ensure city workplaces, staff, and the public are as safe as possible while also aligning our organization with recommendations from our provincial health officer for large employers to implement vaccine mandates," said Jim Bauer, Penticton finance and administration manager, in the press release.

READ MORE: Kelowna brings in mandatory vaccination policy for city staff

Staff who are not fully vaccinated for reasons that are not based upon human rights grounds, with an associated approved accommodation plan, will not be permitted to report to a city facility or worksite, according to the city.

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