Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Employers,
I am writing to offer my strongest possible recommendation that all employers across Wellington County, Dufferin County and Guelph introduce COVID-19 vaccination policies within their workplaces. This would add a significant layer of protection when paired with the other COVID-19 workplace health and safety measures you already have in place, such as screening, masking, remote work (when possible) and paid sick leave. This step will help protect the health and wellbeing of your workplace and the greater WDG community as we enter the fourth wave of the pandemic. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has recently expanded its own vaccination policy to require all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
A healthy economy promotes a healthy community. We have seen in other jurisdictions that vaccine policies can have a significant impact on vaccination rates. Locally, we have recognized that more and more people who attend our vaccination clinics are there to satisfy conditions of their employment. Promoting vaccine uptake is important to help reduce COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces and building confidence for a safer return to work.
Individuals can download their proof of vaccination by visiting: covid19.ontariohealth.ca. You can also find more information and resources about how to create an organizational vaccine policy on our website at: wdgpublichealth.ca/workplaces.
I am grateful for the many steps that you have taken to keep our community safe over the past 18 months of this pandemic. I recognize these sacrifices were and are serious challenges for your business. Like many residents of the region, I am so grateful to spend my time in a place where businesses put the health of our community first.
The WDG Public Health team is committed to ensuring that all your employees have easy and efficient access to their first and second dose as soon as possible. For more information about upcoming vaccination clinic dates visit: wdgpublichealth.ca/drop-ins. If you would like to speak to someone about how to help your staff access vaccinations, please contact 1-800- 265-7293 x7006.
Thank you,
Matthew Tenenbaum, MD, CCFP, MPH, FRCPC
Associate Medical Officer of Health