B.C.'s vaccine mandate for long-term care staff and visitors now in effect
Nearly 2,000 workers in long-term and assisted care facilities in B.C. still haven't gotten a single COVID-19 vaccine dose, the province's health minister says.
Adrian Dix gave the update on the same day B.C.’s vaccine mandate for long-term care and assisted living workers came into effect.
As of Tuesday, all employees of long-term care and assisted living facilities need to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Those who choose not to comply will "be subject to progressive discipline up to and including termination," Dix said during an afternoon news conference.
Dix reported that of the 48,879 staff members who have recorded their vaccine status with their employers, 46,924 – or 96 per cent – have had their first shot.
Meanwhile, 93 per cent are fully vaccinated.
"We know these are settings where transmission causes strain on the system if health-care workers are infected, but also can mean transmission to those who are most vulnerable to severe illness," provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
"Few know better than those working in long-term care and assisted living what the impact of COVID-19 has been on our seniors and elders, particularly those who live in long-term care."
Advocates have been calling for the policy for months now, as the Delta variant runs rampant in the province and outbreaks in long-term care continue.
The B.C. Care Providers Association supports the policy, however a significant number of workers are still refusing to get vaccinated.
Workers who have only received one dose will have to undergo rapid testing daily, and must receive their second shot within 35 days of their first.
The province initially said all workers must be fully immunized by Oct. 12, but relaxed the mandate after operators pushed back.
Facilities already struggling with staffing shortages say losing any workers will be a huge blow.
Staff aren’t the only ones being impacted by this new mandate.
Visitors will now also need at least one dose, and must be fully immunized by Nov. 30. Experts are hopeful both mandates could be key for preventing more deaths.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Ben Nesbit
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.