New Public Health Orders for Members Working in Long-Term Care and Assisted Living

BC’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, today announced a new public health order for mandatory vaccination as a condition of employment for all employees working in long-term care or assisted living facilities.

This new public health order will impact HSA members working in these settings.

Under the order, employees will have until October 12 to be fully vaccinated and must provide the employer their personal health information to confirm vaccination status. Until October 12, unvaccinated staff must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and be tested regularly for COVID-19.

The order also confirms that all volunteers and personal service providers entering long-term care settings must be fully vaccinated.

You can read the government announcement here.

The full order is expected to be released tomorrow.

HSA members have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and are dedicated to keeping all British Columbians healthy and safe.

We encourage our members to get vaccinated as it is our best tool for limiting the spread and preventing severe outcomes. However, some members may be unable to get vaccinated due to medical or religious grounds, and HSA will work with the employers and the Ministry of Health to ensure the collective agreement rights, privacy and safety of our members are addressed.

The union will be reviewing the order in the coming days, and we will keep you updated as further information becomes available.