COVID-19 Vaccine Regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion Act which came into effect in December 2021, will be suspended as of June 1, 2022. These regulations required employees and service providers of certain businesses, facilities and organizations to be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical exemption. Given the current epidemiology of the province, a decision has been made not to extend them at this time.
The regulations were developed for those working with vulnerable populations within sectors such as personal care homes, assisted living facilities, home care, charitable organizations providing services to persons in need, private health clinics, private schools, post-secondary institutions, fire departments, ambulance providers, businesses employing regulated health professionals, organizations providing child care services, and organizations providing therapeutic, supportive and residential services to children, youth and families.
Also today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is announcing the suspension of the mandatory vaccination policy for public service employees on June 1. This policy was one of the tools that assisted with continued safety in the workplace, as well as offered additional health protection for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians given the evidence of the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.
While the regulations and the mandatory vaccination policy for public services employees will be suspended on June 1, Public Health will continue to monitor the epidemiology of the province and, as with any public health measure, these may be reinstated at any time deemed necessary in the future for the protection of the people of the province.
Quotes
“Throughout the pandemic, we have been guided by Public Health advice aimed at protecting the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. While these regulations for employees and service providers of specified businesses will end based on our current situation, we will continue to monitor the situation carefully. If our situation down the road suggests we need to enforce these regulations again, we will reinstate them to protect our vulnerable populations.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“Thank you to all public service employees and all unions for their cooperation and diligence during the pandemic. Your professionalism and support helped ensure safe working conditions and limited the spread of COVID-19.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board
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