Nearly 30K direct care workers fully vaccinated: Shared Health
The majority of direct care workers in Manitoba are fully vaccinated, according to Shared Health.
On Monday, it will be mandatory for front-line health care staff to have both COVID-19 vaccine doses or undergo routine testing. Of the 42,000 staff, physicians, and others with direct contact with patients, residents, clients or their environments, 29,707 have indicated they are fully vaccinated.
Shared Health said as of noon Friday, 26,220 of those reports had been validated, with the rest of the submissions still being confirmed.
“Over the past several weeks, the health system has been working to validate the vaccination status of all direct care workers, either through one-on-one discussions between individuals and their managers, an online portal, and – for those who consent – use of an automated validation process involving use of their personal health identification number,” said a Shared Health spokesperson.
In total, 31,508 workers have completed the disclosure process. Shared Health said 1,801 individuals have been identified as requiring testing. They work in a variety of roles and professions across the province.
Shared Health said staff who are not fully vaccinated will be required to have a current, valid negative test result prior to the start of their shift. They will be required to complete a self-administered rapid test, which in most cases will take place in the workplace.
It said testing is to be completed on the worker’s personal time, with negative results valid for up to 48 hours.
“In addition, all students completing a clinical placement that involves direct care are also required to be fully compliant with the public health orders,” said the spokesperson. “Our partners at the involved educational institutions are supporting validation of vaccination status, or – in some cases – rapid testing of students who are not fully vaccinated.”
Shared Health noted workers who are not fully vaccinated, or have not disclosed their vaccination status, and refuse to participate in regular rapid testing will be immediately placed on an unpaid leave of absence. It said no pension contributions will be submitted while they are on leave and they will not be permitted to access vacation, sick, stat or overtime banks.
Direct care workers will continue to receive reminders through the weekend to complete the online disclosure form.
Shared Health said it expects the number of validated fully vaccinated workers will continue to rise over the weekend and into the coming weeks. It said contingency plans are in place to ensure ongoing health services for Manitobans and to support efficient rapid testing for staff who need it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.