Waterloo Region LTC House Lays Off 14 Employees Who Did Not Receive COVID-19 Vaccine | The Canadian News

The Waterloo region says 14 staff members were laid off from Sunnyside Home in Waterloo after they decided not to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The measure follows a provincial government directive that requires all staff, volunteers, students, and support workers in Ontario long-term care homes to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by November 15, or display proof of a medical exemption.

Monday was the initial deadline for workers to be fully vaccinated, but the Ministry of Long-Term Care postponed that date until December 13.

The region, which runs the long-term care home, says it has been encouraging staff to get vaccinated.

“We have supported staff during the vaccination process and I am pleased that we were able to increase our numbers and vaccinate more staff,” said Region CAO Bruce Lauckner.

“Unfortunately, some staff members made the decision to remain unvaccinated. Although we expected a different result, we must follow the instructions of the Ministry of Long-Term Care. “

The region says that employees play a variety of roles in the home. He is working to fill the positions as quickly as possible.

It also says that 18 of its other 452 employees have currently received a dose of a vaccine, allowing them to continue working.

The province said 98 percent of workers had received a first injection as of Monday.

—With Canadian Press files

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