The Victoria Police Department says it has implemented a COVID-19 vaccine mandate that will require all staff to be fully vaccinated — or undergo regular testing.
Police said the directive was issued Wednesday and includes all staff including police officers, civilian staff, special constables, volunteers and contractors.
They will either have to submit proof of full vaccination or begin COVID-19 antigen testing by Monday, Nov. 15.
“I know that most of our staff are fully vaccinated and have the BC Vaccine Card,” Victoria Police Chief Del Manak said in a statement.
“That said, we need to confirm the safety of our staff and the public, and will implement rapid testing for those that are not fully vaccinated.”
The department follows the CRD, City of Langford, City of Victoria, District of Saanich and District of Central Saanich, which have all implemented vaccine mandates.
While all federally contracted employees, including RCMP, have also been ordered to be immunized, the union representing Mounties has said it would support members’ choice if they do not get vaccinated against COVID-19.
In a statement Wednesday, the government announced that more than 95 per cent of federal public service workers are fully vaccinated against the virus.
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