Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies for members of Chatham-Kent Council and board members is moving forward.
North Kent Councillor Joe Faas entered a successful motion at Monday night’s September 27, 2021 virtual Council meeting.
Faas’ motion directs administration to prepare a draft COVID-19 vaccination policy that would apply to members of Council and return it to Council by the October 4 Council meeting.
The motion further approves that citizen volunteers appointed to advisory committees, committees, and local boards, be notified that they must provide proof of full vaccination or medical exemption prior to the resumption of in-person meetings in order to take their seats at those meetings.
“The safety of staff and the public is of paramount importance,” Faas said in his motion.
“Vaccines provide an additional layer of protection against COVID-19 and have been demonstrated to be effective in preventing serious illness and reducing transmission and hospitalizations. Provincial data has confirmed that the COVID-19 Delta variant is fueling a fourth wave of infection.”
Chatham Councillor Doug Sulman entered a successful amendment to Faas’ motion, which directs staff to provide an update on the municipal staff vaccination policy at the October 4, 2021 meeting as well.
Cathy Hoffman, general manager of corporate service, said the staff policy was provided to Municipal employees last week.
