By: Laura Steiner
Halton Region is asking local employers implement a workplace COVID-19 vaccination policy. The recommendation comes from the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Dr. Hamidah Meghani.
“The rapid and continuing spread of the Delta variant of concern- with increased transmissibility and disease severity- means that we must fully engage to protect our community and our health capacity. Getting fully vaccinated for COVID-19 is the best defense against the virus, including the Delta variant,” Meghani said. The region provides business resources on their website
The Region would also like to remind employers they can also serve as a resource for:
- Vaccine information from credible sources in multiple languages
- Encouraging ‘vaccine champions’ to have conversations with their fellow workers
- Reminding workers they are eligible for three paid sick days if they experience side effects from the vaccine
- Providing transportation to and from vaccine appointments
Meghani believes placing the emphasis on the employers is one of the best ways to protect workers who work in a location where they have close contact with other workers or the public. Vaccinations should be used in combination with other public health measures such as physical distancing, and wearing a mask.
Halton Region COVID-19 vaccine clinic September hours
Over 80% of Halton residents have two doses of the vaccine. First and second dose of the vaccines are available in over 100 area pharmacies as well as primary care officers to anyone born in 2009 or earlier.
The Region’s September clinic hours:
- As of September 1, clinics at Compass Point Bible Church in Burlington, Gellert Community Centre in Halton Hills, as well St. Vlodymyr Cultural Centre
- September 2: FirstOntario Arts Center will begin offering walk-in appointments
- September 3: YMCA in Oakville will begin offering walk-in appointments
Appointments can be booked through the Region’s official website
The province of Ontario is set to announce a vaccine passport for residents early next week. Halton Region’s would prefer a broader “COVID certificate” which would include recent test results much like they do in the European Union.
Ontario today recorded an increase of 835 cases. 675 of those are in people who aren’t fully vaccinated, or whose vaccine status is classified as unknown. 160 are in fully vaccinated individuals.
Halton recorded an increase of 18 cases as of Friday. Three of those are from Milton. Seven cases are confirmed in Intensive Care Unit of Halton hospitals. The Region of Halton doesn’t update its dashboard on weekends.
