An aerial view of Kamloops School of the Arts.
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February 05, 2022 - 10:45 AM
All employees in the Kamloops public school system may have to prove they’re fully vaccinated by May 9, otherwise rapid testing will become a condition of their job.
School District No. 73’s draft vaccine policy may be adopted at the next board meeting on Feb. 7.
If adopted, employees who do not prove they’re fully vaccinated and refuse rapid testing requirements can remain employed but will be on unpaid leave, according to the document.
“In all circumstances, extraordinary leave or rapid testing are not disciplinary measures and no employee shall be terminated because they choose not to provide proof of vaccination showing they are fully vaccinated.”
READ MORE: TNRD directors have one clear dissenter to a vaccine mandate for employees, directors
Employees who don’t comply with the new mandate may be accommodated with remote work or modified “if feasible and available,” according to the draft policy.
The definition of "fully vaccinated" is subject to change to include multiple shots.
“The current definition is written to be a ‘fluid,’ and it will change as the public health orders changes them,” according to the document.
“The most effective means to protect students from COVID-19 is for adults in their community, including their school community, to be vaccinated.”
READ MORE: Employee retention key concern if Kelowna brings in mandatory vaccination
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