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Expanding on a previous report, the union representing North Bay Police Service employees says it is on board with the workplace COVID-19 vaccination policy, in place since Nov. 19.
The North Bay Police Association tells BayToday it is "glad to see the service implement a policy that allows all members to continue working through the option of vaccine, testing or medical exemption."
The NBPS COVID-19 vaccination policy requires all members to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status by Dec. 6 and comply with the policy's terms or they will not be permitted to work and will not be paid. The policy covers all 160 sworn and civilian members of the North Bay Police Service. The policy also covers all individuals working out of North Bay Police Service headquarters.
The policy states members who are not fully vaccinated will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test. The test must be completed in the 24-hour period prior to beginning their work assignment. After beginning their shift, members who are not fully vaccinated are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test 72 hours after the initial negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test was submitted. Members who do not provide the required testing information will be placed on unpaid absence.
Non-compliance with COVID-19 vaccination policies has led to firings in the health care sector, including at both the North Bay Regional Health Centre and Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury.
The NBPS has thanked its members for their understanding and continued support of workplace health and safety. The association's mandate is to further the interests of its members, the police service and the communities it serves. According to both the NBPA and NBPS, the rate of compliance of their members cannot be shared until after the Dec. 6 declaration deadline.
See related: COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect for North Bay Police Service members
And: No target date given to put COVID-19 vaccination policy in place for local police service
The COVID-19 vaccination policy has created a volatile situation between the Toronto Police Service and the union representing its members. Over 200 combined uniformed and civilian members were placed on unpaid leave earlier this week for either being unvaccinated against COVID-19 or for refusing to disclose their vaccination status.
"The policy is designed to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all employees at work and the public we serve," Woolley stated. "Regardless of vaccination status, all members are required to complete daily active screening for COVID-19 and must abide by all COVID-19 health and safety measures such as masking and physical distancing. Any members testing positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter the workplace."
