Employees at North Bay's Waters Edge seniors home will have to be fully vaccinated by mid-October or face being put on unpaid leave.
In a letter to Sienna Senior Living workers, Jennifer Anderson, Executive Vice President says the company has achieved a voluntary vaccination rate of over 89 per cent, "but we need to do more to provide the best protection possible for residents and each other."
"The fourth wave is upon us and we know that vaccines are our best line of defense against COVID-19," writes Anderson. "We see that evidenced by the high percentage of current infections amongst unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals. And with rising rates of infection in the community, unvaccinated team members are more likely to bring the virus to work – our residents’ home."
Effective October 12 proof of full vaccination will be required to work at any Sienna Senior Living long-term care community or retirement residence.
"Together with seniors’ living operators Chartwell, (Barclay House 600 Chippewa Street West) Extendicare, Responsive Group and Revera, we have taken a stance to mandate vaccines," explains Anderson. "This date also aligns with the Public Health Order issued by the B.C. government, mandating vaccines for health care workers in the seniors’ care sector. While vaccines are not provincially mandated in Ontario, we will continue to exceed guidelines and directives where we are able and see fit, to best protect the health and safety of our residents.
"Team members who are not fully vaccinated as of October 12 will be placed on an unpaid leave of absence. We need to do everything we can to remain vigilant and protect the vulnerable populations in our care from the virus, and we are optimistic that each and every team member will act in the best interest of those we are privileged to serve."
The company will also begin offering third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to residents at the highest risk, including residents of long-term care homes and higher-risk retirement homes. Residents will be eligible to receive their third dose five months after their second dose, providing them with an added layer of protection against the Delta variant.
Waters Edge have been open at 401 William Street in North Bay since 1981, Waters Edge is home to 142 residents and also assists the community by providing six convalescent care beds.
