The Township of Whitewater Region is following guidelines issued by the province of Ontario and is revising local COVID-19 policies.
Whitewater Region Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay told members of council on Wednesday night (February 16th, 2022), the acting medical officer of health with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit has sent a note to local municipalities recommending they follow suit with the changes in the province.
Starting March 1st, 2022, proof of vaccination will no longer be required in Ontario, capacity limits will be lifted, but masks will still be required.
Under the previous guidelines, staff in Whitewater Region needed to be vaccinated by December 1st, 2021, or undergo vaccine hesitancy training and provide proof of a negative rapid test on a weekly basis.
A total of 141 individuals are subject to the policies with 16 participating in the testing program.
One accommodation under the human rights was received, but did not meet the requirements related to personal opinion.
A report presented to council shows six of 71 firefighters requested a leave of absence with no impact on services.
Tremblay says those who chose to go on leave instead of participating in weekly rapid testing will be able to return to work if they want once restrictions lift on March 1st.
The Township CAO says recreation staff in Whitewater Region are preparing for the changes at arenas.
Tremblay adds it’s been a hard couple of years and wanted to thank everyone for their patience.