COVID-19 Vaccines Mandatory For B.C. Long-Term Care Workers

On August 12, 2021 British Columbia health officials announced that they will introduce new orders requiring all employees in long-term care and assisted living facilities in the province to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

This mandate comes after the announcement on August 10 of 536 new COVID-19 cases, the highest number of new cases in British Columbia in nearly three months. COVID-19 cases have increased 1,000 per cent in the last five weeks.

As a condition of employment, the new requirement will apply to all licensed facilities, every staff member, volunteers and personal service workers whose duties require them to enter care homes. Dr. Bonnie Henry stated that acute care and community care workers must also be fully vaccinated, but the Government is still working out those details. For employees who cannot receive the vaccine for legitimate medical reasons, the Government will work with their employers and unions. Employers have a duty to accommodate