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A coalition of for-profit long-term care and retirement homes, including some with locations in Edmonton, is making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all staff across Canada.
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Chartwell Retirement Residences, Extendicare, Responsive Group Inc., Revera Inc. and Sienna Senior Living said Thursday that as of Oct. 12 staff who are not fully vaccinated will be placed on an unpaid leave of absence.
“As rates of infection once again increase in communities across the country, unvaccinated staff are more likely to bring the virus to work. The safety of our residents in long-term care and retirement homes, who trust us to provide the care and services they need, is paramount,” company representatives wrote in a joint statement.
Chartwell, Extendicare, and Revera all have Edmonton locations.
The vaccination requirement also covers all new hires, students and agency personnel.
“This policy will increase their level of safety and improve quality of life for residents by reducing the need for isolation and disruption of daily activities that result from outbreak restrictions,” the statement says.
“It also protects ongoing access to visits from family members, which are critical to the well-being of all those in our care for whom outbreak restrictions have been difficult.”
