Public sector workers in N.L. must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 17

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey at a press conference in the lobby of the Confederation Building in St. John’s on Friday, January 15, 2021 where he announced a February 13, 2021 provincial election. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -

Newfoundland and Labrador will require all public sector workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by mid-December or risk being suspended without pay.

The province announced its mandatory vaccination policy Friday, which allows for employer-approved medical exemptions based on the recommendations of a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

The vaccination requirement to take effect Dec. 17 will apply to all provincial government employees and to workers who serve vulnerable populations, including health-care workers, teachers and child-care providers. It will also apply to employees of businesses such as bars and restaurants where the government's vaccine passport is required.

"This is not a decision that we made lightly," Premier Andrew Furey told reporters. He said the highly contagious Delta variant has led officials to aim to vaccinate 90 per cent or more of those eligible for the shot. "Our vaccination policy is another tool to make this a reality ... and to make people feel safe," he said.

Officials said the vaccine mandate will also apply to any vendors, suppliers or contractors who regularly work with government employees.

Workers who fail to show proof of vaccination by Dec. 17 will be classified as "not adhering to the policy" and face being suspended without pay. The government said any new hires will need to be fully vaccinated by their starting date or risk having their job offer revoked.

Furey said there could be some wiggle room in applying the policy because "every job is not the same." He noted there could be some accommodation for people who work at home or who work in more isolated locations away from government offices.

The premier said the rules around penalties and enforcement are still being developed and could be released as early as next week.

A testing regime is also part of the policy. Officials were unable to clearly define when it would be used but said it could be invoked after a human rights ruling. Under the policy, unvaccinated workers would need to be tested twice a week, outside of regular working hours and at their own expense.

Officials said testing won't be required for people who have medical conditions preventing them from getting the vaccine.

Meanwhile, the province reported four new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. With 11 recoveries also reported, the number of active cases fell to 53. Officials said nine people were in hospital due to novel coronavirus, including five in intensive care.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2021.

-- By Keith Doucette in Halifax