Richmond Hill moving ahead with mandatory vaccination policy for city staff

Those who do not may be required to attend mandatory education on the benefits of vaccination and complete regular COVID-19 testing

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 2, 2021
Yoyo Yan

In alignment with recent announcements made by many public and private sector organizations, and in co-ordination with York Region, the City of Richmond Hill is moving forward with the development of a mandatory vaccination policy for staff.

 According to a notice posted Aug. 31, "the health and safety of staff and our community" continues to be the city's priority.

Since the start of the pandemic, the city has implemented and enforced significant health and safety measures in our workplaces and in our community, the statement continued.

Vaccines are demonstrating effectiveness in protecting against COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of hospitalization.

Mandatory vaccination for staff is an important additional step as we continue to reopen more facilities and programs to the public, according to the statement.

The policy will require all City of Richmond Hill staff receive two doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Those who do not may be required to attend mandatory education on the benefits of vaccination and complete regular COVID-19 testing.

Individuals with valid medical or other human rights-based exemptions will be considered for appropriate accommodation.

All staff and visitors who attend a city facility will continue to be required to complete the online COVID-19 screening form at RichmondHill.ca/Screening and to follow all other health and safety guidelines (e.g., masking, physical distancing, handwashing) at this time.

For information about the vaccine and where you can get vaccinated, including mobile and pop-up clinics, visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine.