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Alberta Health Services (AHS) extended the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination deadline for employees.
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The deadline for all AHS employees, medical and midwifery staff, students, volunteers, and contracted healthcare providers to comply with their mandatory immunization policy has been extended to November 30.
In a press release on Friday, AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu said they were extending the deadline to give all employees more time to present their proof of vaccination and get fully vaccinated if not already. they had done.
“We are allowing more time to make our workforce as safe and strong as possible,” Yiu said in the statement.
AHS reports that 94 percent of full and part-time employees, as well as 94 percent of AHS physicians, have provided proof of having two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 97 percent of ICU staff are fully immunized.
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This policy also applies to approximately 28,000 casual AHS employees. Currently, 76 percent of temporary employees have presented proof of vaccination. With temporary employees included, the organization’s vaccination status is approximately 90 percent.
A small number of continuing care sites, particularly in rural communities where vaccination rates are low, are a cause for concern. The extension of the time frame will ensure that staff at these sites have the opportunity to report on their vaccination and that the sites develop contingency plans as needed.
“At the end of the day, it’s about protecting patients, continuing care residents, and anyone in our care, as well as taking care of our staff. We have a responsibility to do that, ”Yiu said.
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To date, AHS has received more than 1,400 requests for medical or religious exemptions. All applications will be reviewed prior to the November 30th deadline. Only legitimate medical or religious exemptions will be allowed and employees who are not fully immunized in accordance with the policy will receive unpaid leave.
On Tuesday, AHS reported that 61 employees resigned due to a requirement to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination before the previous filing deadline of October 31. 11 registered nurses and 31 in clinical roles were among those who had given notice of the mandate. first announced in August .
More to come
Reference-edmontonjournal.com