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
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Being harassed at work? What to consider when deciding what to do next
If you've been the victim of workplace harassment, it can be difficult to feel you're not alone - and even more difficult to know where to go with a complaint.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Half of Canadians support TikTok ban, with U.S. concerns 'trickling' north: poll
A new poll indicates 51 per cent of Canadians support banning the social media app TikTok, after a U.S. bill aiming to do just that passed in the House of Representatives.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.