Dr. Kit Young Hoon. Submitted by NWHU
The Northwestern Health Unit will help impacted businesses navigate the latest COVID-19 measure announced by the province this week.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required as of September 22 for indoor dining, gyms, meeting spaces and other high risk settings.
“We’ve been supporting businesses throughout all provincial changes as best as we can,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Yong Hoon. “This is still new information and we do expect more information from the province before this comes into effect. I know businesses have been under a lot of pressure and I’m hoping that they understand that this is going to benefit them in the long term. It benefits them directly as it protects the owners, operators and staff from COVID-19 by serving individuals who are primarily vaccinated.”
When it comes to employees, Dr. Kit Young Hoon says workplaces can consider developing their own policy.
“At this point I’m not aware of a specific regulation that applies to employees of the establishments, perhaps the province is thinking about that. Employees are expected to follow other health measures to protect individuals such as physical distancing, masking and hand hygiene. It very much depends on the risk setting for the workplace and the extent they (employers) want to insist or require COVID-19 vaccination of their employees. It is up to the workplace to finalize their own policy on vaccination for employees.”
The region’s top doctor hopes this move by the province will encourage more people to get vaccinated.
“We do need a higher vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity and prevent the spread of COVID-19. It’s in the best and collective interest, including for businesses that we keep case numbers low so we don’t have to implement other public health restrictions such as closures of certain businesses or lockdowns.”
Since the announcement, Health Minister Christine Elliot tweeted that bookings have more than doubled on the provincial system.
The Northwestern Health Unit’s vaccination rate for both shots has been in the 70% range for some time now.
At time of publishing, 73.4% of those 12 years of age and older in the region are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Dr. Young Hoon says it may take some time to reach 85% or higher but the health unit continues to offer vaccination opportunities and clinics.
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Great news! Yesterday, bookings on the provincial system more than doubled. Today, we’re already seeing thousands more Ontarians roll up their sleeves, nearly half of whom are receiving their first dose.
— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) September 2, 2021
