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(JOHN MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)
August 21, 2022 - 4:17 PM
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District will be walking back on its policy around COVID-19 vaccines for firefighters and elected officials.
The regional district lost roughly 15% of its firefighting force with the implementation of the COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy, according to the district's press release. "It is hoped that the suspension of the policy will encourage many of these firefighters to return to their firefighting duties."
The policy change affects paid on-call firefighters for the next six months or pending further provincial health orders.
Fire department members were also in favour of removing the policy because firefighters train for a short time each week and most of the training is outdoors, according to the regional district.
The policy may be immediately re-instated if there is a COVID-19 outbreak at a fire hall or within the district's fire service without the district having to call a board meeting.
The vaccine proof requirement has also been eliminated for elected officials. If they choose not to be vaccinated they will be required to work remotely when possible. If unable to work remotely, they will be required to wear a mask in all district facilities and on district business, according to the district.
"Unvaccinated firefighters will also be required to wear masks when working directly in the CSRD administration building," according to the press release.
The policy is still in effect for regional district employees and newly hired workers.
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