Niagara Health says due to challenges posed by Omicron COVID-19 cases, it is delaying the mandatory vaccination program.
Niagara Health says it is pausing the implementation of its mandatory vaccination program, given the spread of Omicron-related COVID-19 cases.
Officials say when the program was put in place in October, the new variant wasn't anticipated, and there is now an urgent need to focus on Niagara Health's response.
"We remain committed to a fully vaccinated workforce at our hospital, and we will proceed with the implementation at a later time to be determined," says President and CEO Lynn Guerriero.
There have been no job losses at the hospital due to the policy, however, four staff have been terminated from Niagara Health's long-term care home in Welland for violating the directive.
Officials note unvaccinated staff will still be required to undergo regular antigen testing, and all staff and physicians will be required to complete screening before each shift.
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