On November 10th 2021, The Table's Board of Directors approved this COVID 19 Vaccination policy that applies to staff, volunteers and particpiants in programs at The Tabel.
COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY
NOV 10, 2021
1. POLICY STATEMENT
The Table is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, volunteers and program participants. The purpose of the Vaccination Policy (the “Policy”) is to ensure The Table is taking proactive measures to create a safe environment in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the threat of more contagious variants.
This policy is to be used in conjunction with other COVID-19 protocols that are reviewed regularly and includes requirements for screening, masking, physical distancing, sanitation and contact tracing. While these protocols provide a significant degree of protection, the added threat from more contagious variants warrants additional protection.
Unvaccinated individuals and people with associated co-morbidities are at the highest risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and transmitting it to others. The approved vaccinations have been demonstrated to reduce infection, hospitalizations, spread of the virus, and the risk of complications including long term disability.
2. APPLICATION
This policy applies to all employees and volunteers of The Table. In addition, it applies to any participants engaged in indoor programs administered by The Table.
3. POLICY
All staff, volunteers, and participants are strongly encouraged to become vaccinated against COVID-19, as recommended by the Ministry of Health and Provincial Health Officer.
Anyone working or volunteering indoors in a program of The Table will be required to show proof of vaccination along with Government issued photo ID by December 17, 2021.
New employees and new volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated before their start date with The Table.
Participants taking part in any indoor program, other than the Good Food Bank, will be required to show proof of vaccination along with Government issued photo ID to take part.
Where vaccination is required, and an individual is unable to be vaccinated, the individual must provide weekly negative COVID-19 test results to work, volunteer or participate in indoor programs. The test may be a rapid antigen test or other approved test.
Where vaccination is required an individual may be exempted for medical or religious reasons.
Medical exemption will be granted by The Table if the individual submits written proof by a recognized medical practitioner that the individual cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Religious exemption will be granted by The Table if the individual submits written proof by a recognized religious leader that the individual cannot be vaccinated due to their religious beliefs.
The test may be a rapid antigen test or other approved test. The Table will cover the costs of testing where there is religious or medical exemption.
Where possible, staff or volunteers who are not vaccinated may perform their duties from home. However, if onsite and indoor presence is part of an individual’s job requirement and they are not fully vaccinated, the staff person will be put on an unpaid administrative leave for a maximum of four weeks. If a staff member on leave is not fully vaccinated by the end of the four-week period, they will be put on unpaid leave for up to three (3) months.
In the event that a staff member, or a volunteer has a positive test, the person must immediately self-isolate and in the case of a rapid antigen test - get a nasopharyngeal swab test. In the case of a positive swab test, the person must self-isolate and follow directions of the Health Unit.
A negative test result must be presented to the Executive Director or relevant program coordinator before returning to work or participating in a program.
4. CONFIDENTIALITY
Information relating to an individual’s proof of vaccination and/or the reason(s) for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, will not be collected or retained. Once proof of full vaccination or weekly negative COVID-19 test results has been provided to the Executive Director in the case of staff, or to the program coordinators in the case of volunteers, The Table will record only if the criteria were met.
5. REVIEW
The Executive Director will review this policy every two months or more frequently as dictated by significant changes in the local COVID-19 situation or upon changes recommended by the Lanark Leeds and Grenville Health Unit. Any changes will be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval.
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