Unvaccinated Ottawa police employees must undergo testing every three days under COVID-19 vaccine policy
The Ottawa Police Service has implemented a new COVID-19 vaccination policy for all officers and civilians, with unvaccinated officers required to undergo testing every three days while continuing to work.
Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly and Ottawa Police Association President Matt Skof unveiled the policy to employees on Friday afternoon after two months of discussions.
Under the policy, which takes effect Oct. 22, all officers and civilians must disclose their vaccination status or provide written proof of a medical exemption.
"If you are not fully vaccinated, you must produce a negative COVID-19 test every 72 hours," says the policy, which also covers employees working from home.
Ottawa police employees not fully vaccinated or having an approved medical exemption must complete a COVID-19 education course by Nov. 15.
Starting Dec. 1, all Ottawa police employees who are not fully vaccinated must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test or rapid antigen test taken within 72 hours. Tests will be conducted outside work hours at an Ottawa Police Service identified testing location.
The policy notes certain Ottawa police positions will require vaccination to comply with the mandatory vaccination policies of community partners, including the Ottawa International Airport and all city of Ottawa municipal facilities.
"The policy is balanced, creating a hygienic and productive workplace. It also ensures public safety and health," said Skof.
In a statement to CTV News Ottawa Friday evening, the Ottawa Police Service said the new COVID-19 Vaccination and Safe Workplace Policy requiring employees to disclose their vaccination status is, "designed to keep our members and the community safe."
As of Friday, police estimate that more than 83 per cent of its members are fully vaccinated.
The city of Ottawa implemented a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees, as of Sept. 7. The policy requires all employees, contractors, students and volunteers to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1.
To comply with the policy, all staff must have received their first dose by Sept. 15, and their second dose no later than Oct. 15.
In a statement to CTV News Ottawa on Thursday, the city said employees are currently in the process of uploading their proof of vaccination to the city's data management tool, and vaccination rates will be disclosed at a later date.
"A comprehensive analysis is underway and remains ongoing as employees continue to submit their proof of vaccination. Further details will be shared closer to the implementation date," said Valerie Turner, general manager of Ottawa's Innovative Client Services Department.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.