Newmarket mandates town staff be vaccinated against COVID-19

Council discussion on vaccination requirements for public attending town facilities expected Sept. 13

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 1, 2021
Lisa Queen

Newmarket is the latest municipality mandating its employees roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“The health of our residents, our staff and their families, those that are vulnerable in our community and our small businesses is too great a risk not to implement vaccine requirements,” Mayor John Taylor said.

“We know that vaccinations are our best defence against COVID-19 and we have seen from other countries around the world that even with high vaccination rates, hospitalizations and ICUs can be overwhelmed by the unvaccinated. Please, everyone, get vaccinated -- it will save lives and will save businesses.”

The directive, approved by council Aug. 30, is in line with other public and private sector organizations, the town said in a statement.

“With COVID-19 cases rising throughout York Region and the province and the Delta variant continuing to cause significant concerns, this is an important step forward to continue to protect the health and safety of the Newmarket community and town staff,” the statement said.

Staff members will be required to prove by Oct. 1 they have received their first vaccination and will have to prove by Nov. 1 they have had their second shot.

Workers with valid medical or other human-rights-based exemptions will be considered for appropriate accommodation within the policy.

Town officials are preparing a draft policy, expected to come to the Sept. 13 committee of the whole meeting.

Also at that meeting, council will discuss vaccination requirements for the public attending town facilities.

You can find town meetings at www.newmarket.ca/meetings.