Quebec delays COVID-19 vaccine mandate deadline for health workers

Quebec has pushed back the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for workers in the health-care system to Nov. 15.

Health Minister Christian Dubé announced the 30-day delay Wednesday as the initial deadline for mandatory vaccination loomed, with thousands of employees facing suspension without pay.

Citing the pressure on the health network amid the weight of the pandemic, Dubé said it would be irresponsible to remove more workers right now.

“It is essential to us to protect our network and our patients,” he said, describing it is a “difficult decision” to push back the date

The government had previously stood firm on the Oct. 15 deadline for health workers to be fully immunized against COVID-19.

More to come.