On August 17, 2021 the Government of Ontario announced that COVID-19 vaccinations policies will be mandatory for staff and volunteers working in high-risk settings. Abilities Centre is a high-risk environment with the vulnerable sector we serve therefore we are taking action to mandate the vaccine for Abilities Centre staff in order to increase protection for our most vulnerable, including seniors, immunocompromised individuals and young children who are not yet eligible for vaccination.
As a result, Abilities Centre will be following provincial guidelines making vaccinations mandatory or requiring negative test results for the COVID-19 virus, for all staff, independent contractors and volunteers. As a leader in our community, it is crucial that we take this step to protecting our staff, members and the entire region as a whole and therefore the following is required:
- Full vaccination against COVID-19;
- A medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19; or
- Completion of a COVID-19 vaccination educational session
Staff who do not provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be required to undertake regular antigen testing.
“We fall within the high risk settings as described by the Government within our many programs that serve the disability community and vulnerable sector, explains CEO & President Stuart McReynolds. As a leader in our community, it is crucial that we take this step to protect our staff, members and the entire region.”
At this time, it is not mandatory for members to be vaccinated although it is strongly encouraged if possible.
Furthermore, the Government of Ontario and the Chief medical officer announced a pause for the remaining steps towards Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen due to a slight increase of COVID-19 cases and the delta variant. At this time, all of our health and safety protocols, including capacity, will remain as-is.
For more information, please review our
FAQ.