The City of Kelowna's COVID-19 vaccine policy remains in effect

Photo: Colin Dacre/file

A year after it was put in place, the City of Kelowna says its COVID-19 vaccination policy remains in effect.

The policy, enacted by many governments, agencies and private businesses to help combat the spread of the virus, came into effect Dec. 13 of last year.

Announced in October, the policy stated all city employees were required to be vaccinated by Dec. 13 or be placed on non-paid leave.

Corporate and protective services manager Stu Leatherdale tells Castanet News the vaccination policy remains in effect for all new hires.

"Applicants with a certified medical condition, religious or other protected human rights ground may be provided an exemption from the policy," said Leatherdale.

Through the first half of 2022, Leatherdalr says a small number of employees chose to pursue other employment opportunities while they were on leave.

The rest, he says have returned to work with an exemption of accommodation.

"This policy has been reviewed periodically and is amended as circumstances change. Our next review is the end of this year."

Earlier this week, the Cariboo Regional District rescinded its mandatory COVID vaccination policy. Their policy came into effect in January.

In West Kelowna, a similar policy instituted Jan. 3 is still in effect.