Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon as he outlined Ontario’s plan to make vaccination policies mandatory for some high-risk settings and to begin administering third doses to those at highest risk of severe complications from COVID-19.
Moore has opted to put any further reopening on hold while issuing a directive requiring hospitals and home and community care service providers to have vaccination policies for employees, contractors, students and volunteers requiring that they either be fully vaccinated or undertake regular rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 and complete an education session about the COVID-19 vaccine.
The province says that the policies, similar to ones already in effect for the long-term care sector, will have to be in place by Sept. 7 and require that employees provide proof of vaccination or a legitimate medical exemption.
Under the policies, unvaccinated employees will have to submit a negative rapid test at least once a week with the cost being covered by the government. But Moore said that the frequency of the tests may be increased based on the level of community transmission.
The province has also indicated that the Ministry of Education will introduce a similar policy for all education workers and staff in licensed child care settings that will take effect prior to the beginning of the school year.
The ministry says that in addition to mandating vaccination policies for healthcare and education workers, it will also require them in a number of other high-risk settings.
the Ministry of Education said it plans to introduce a vaccination disclosure policy for all publicly-fund school board employees, and staff in private schools.
Ontario also announced Tuesday it will expand the eligibility of the Pfizer vaccine to children born in 2009 beginning on Aug. 18, meaning many 11-year-olds will be able to get the shot.
“Ontario has closely monitored data from Alberta and British Columbia in making this decision, and these provinces have offered the Pfizer vaccine to youth born in 2009 for several months with no risks identified,” the government said.
“All children turning 12 years old before the end of 2021 will be eligible to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and can book their appointment through the provincial booking system, through their public health unit, or pharmacies, or can walk-in to vaccination clinics across the province.” said from the government.