The KamloopsThompson school district has decided to pause its proof of vaccination policy pending further changes to public health orders and further information from BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA).
In February, the board of education decided to implement a proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all employees by May 9. In addition, May 27 was chosen as the deadline for employees who were not fully vaccinated and did not agree to be subject to rapid testing. On that date, such employees were to have even placed on extraordinary leave, though the district reiterated that no employee would be terminated for choosing not to provide proof of vaccination.
At its Monday night (April 11) meeting, the school board paused the procedure, meaning employees do not need to provide proof of vaccination or disclose their vaccination status, do not need to take a rapid test or provide results of rapid tests and will will not be approved for an extraordinary leave of absence if they are unvaccinated.
“Our board made this decision based on provincial health guidance and advice from BCPSEA,” board chair Heather Grieve said. “We will monitor and respond to the evolving COVID-19 data and changes to public health directives,”
The board noted the proof of vaccination procedure was to ensure the health and safety of employees and students from COVID-19 at a time when hospitalizations with risks of serious health outcomes were related to low vaccination rates.
In March and April, the number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths have decreased.
