The Town of High Level is moving ahead with a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination program for all staff of the Town.
At their regular meeting on September 27, Council passed a motion to adopt 267-21: Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
The policy was developed following new Alberta Occupational Health and Safety guidance released back in July; identifying vaccination as the strongest and most effective way to keep workers and Albertans over 12 safe from COVID-19 infection and the most debilitating effects of the illness.
Mandatory vaccination policies are becoming more common in both businesses and organizations as Alberta struggles through this fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Town of High Level says it recognizes it has a responsibility to ensure a safe work environment for all Town staff, and it includes doing everything possible to minimize exposure to COVID-19.
It also has a responsibility to ensure the safety of local residents who might come in contact with Town staff for any number of reasons.
The policy will extend to employees (including Council, Administration, and all departments), non-employee/specialty contractors, and municipal program volunteers.
Requests for medical exemptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Every effort will be made to accommodate the needs and concerns
-Erika Rolling, Trending 55 Newsroom
