The BC Public Service Agency (BCPSA) Nov. 30 reported the majority of B.C. public servants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

More than 98% of people working for the provincial government have met the requirement under the proof of vaccination policy that came into effect on Nov. 22, and are partially or fully vaccinated,

Data submitted by ministries to the BC Public Service Agency confirms that of more than 38,240 employees asked to provide proof of vaccination:

* 97% of employees have met the requirement for full vaccination.

* 439 employees, 1.15%, are partially vaccinated and have 35 days from the date of their first dose to become fully vaccinated.

* 274 employees, 0.72%, have requested an accommodation based on a medical condition or other protected grounds and these requests are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

* 432 employees, 1.13%, are unvaccinated or declined to disclose their vaccination status.

Additional employees who are currently on various forms of leave are required to provide proof of vaccination when they return to work.

As one of the largest employers in the province, the BC Public Service requires that all direct government employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

The policy applies to all employees working for the BC Public Service regardless of whether the employee works onsite or remotely. This also includes employees of any board, commission, agency, or organization to which the Public Service Act applies or whose employees are hired in accordance with the Public Service Act. Agencies, boards and commissions were not required to report their data to the BC Public Service Agency.

Unvaccinated employees, those who refuse to disclose, and partially vaccinated employees who do not receive their second dose within the 35-day time frame, are placed on unpaid leave for three months, the BCPSA outlined.

Employees who do not show proof of full vaccination after the three-month unpaid leave may be terminated.

Updated BC Public Service Occupational Safety and Health standards will also require contractors and others accessing employee-only areas of indoor public service workplaces to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 13, 2021. This does not apply to members of the public accessing government services.

The proof of vaccination policy remains in effect until public-health concerns regarding COVID-19 are reduced to a level, prescribed by government, to enable workplaces to operate without restrictions or a vaccination requirement.

Implementing the proof of vaccination policy is part of B.C.-wide efforts to continue to boost the province’s vaccination rates and protect all British Columbians.

To date, 88% of British Columbians 12 and older have been fully vaccinated.

e-KNOW

Article Share