City of Vancouver staff must be fully vaccinated before the end of the year

Photo: Brendan Kergin

All staff working for the City of Vancouver will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by early December the City has announced.

As of Dec. 6, 2021, staff will have to be double-vaxxed, but there will be some exceptions for medical reasons or on grounds protected under the province's Human Rights Code.

Anyone who isn't vaccinated and doesn't fit into those categories won't be allowed in their workplace.

"We continue to follow direction from public health in our workplaces, and this mandatory vaccination policy will help provide a further level of protection against this virus for City staff and the public we serve," states city manager Paul Mochrie in a press release.

In a separate release, Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart voiced his support for the decision.

"Having all City staff fully vaccinated by December 6 is another step towards building on our success as a community and making sure we put the health of our workers and the public first," he says.

The City notes that the decision was made following recommendations from provincial experts.

While the announcement was made Oct. 18, the details of the policy around the mandatory vaccination rules haven't been finalized.

Last month, the city announced those visiting city hall would not need to show proof of vaccination to attend in-person council meetings.