KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kawartha Lakes Police Service unveiled its COVID-19 vaccination policy today.
Chief Mark Mitchell explained the policy to the Police Services Board this morning.
“In a nutshell, our members are required to disclose their vaccination status by tomorrow,” Mitchell said. “Those who are unvaccinated whether by choice or by medical or human rights exemption will be required to conduct weekly rapid testing to ensure the safety of the workplace.”
Mitchell said they had examined the issue and come to an agreement with the Kawartha Lakes Police Association. He said the policy is in line with what other services are doing. The Ministry Of Health is providing rapid test kits to frontline workers at no cost.
“The Medical Officer of Health issued a directive that businesses had to have and vaccination policy in place. There is no equivalent from the Solicitor General so in my view a mandatory vaccination policy where we tell people you have to be vaccinated or you’re not coming into workplace is not advisable.”
The Solicitor General oversees policing services throughout Ontario and has said vaccines are the best defence against COVID but has not made them mandatory.
“As we continue to see cases of COVID-19 in our communities, we must keep up the fight against the transmission of this virus and its variants to create a safer environment for ourselves, our families and our communities,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “The best defense against COVID-19 is getting a vaccine and encouraging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated too. Wearing a mask and practising physical distancing where possible are public health measures we all must continue to follow.”
Michell says their policy could change if a mandate is implemented by the Solicitor General.
