Prince Edward County employees and councillors will be required to be vaccinated by the middle of November.
Council approved a motion during their regular meeting on Tuesday night which will see a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy put in place.
This policy follows suit with other local municipalities including Belleville and Hastings County.
The recommendation brought forward by Chief Administrative Officer Marcia Wallace seeks to protect staff and the public who interact with County employees.
The policy has a November 15 deadline which would bring Prince Edward County in line with the timelines being proposed by neighbouring municipalities.
Those employees who are medically exempt would be required to undergo rapid antigen testing twice weekly. These tests would be at the cost of the municipality and are $7 a test.
Councillor Brad Neiman asked for the motion to also include council as that was not in the original motion.
“It shows good leadership,” he said. “It is in the best interest of our employees and the public. And if you exclude the leaders, you won’t get the buy-in.”
Councillor Andreas Bolik felt some flexibility was needed in the policy.
“If we could substitute testing where vaccination isn’t forthcoming, without ostracizing members of our community,” he suggested.
Councillor Kate McNaughton felt council and the municipality have a duty to show leadership but also need to focus on protection.
The policy of mandatory vaccination of employees would apply to full time, part-time and contract staff. It would not apply to staff of companies the municipality contracts to do work, although procurement documents do require that all those providing work for the County must provide a written sign-off that they have appropriate protocols in place that meet provincial guidelines and policies.
Mayor Steve Ferguson did note all current council members are fully vaccinated.
City of Belleville – All employees and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine series by November 5, 2021.
City of Quinte West – Draft received by council as information. No decision at this time.
City of Kingston – A vaccine policy has been drafted, but has not been endorsed by Council.
County of Hastings – All employees and contractors will be required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated by October 29, 2021.
County of Lennox and Addington – Vaccination policy in effect as of October 24, 2021.
