The province is cracking down on unvaccinated staff in long term care and retirement homes across Ontario.
It is now mandatory for homes to have COVID-19 immunization policies for staff. All employees will have to either provide proof of vaccination of each dose, provide a documented medical reason for not being vaccinated, or take part in an educational program about the benefits of vaccination and the risks of not being vaccinated.
In Chatham-Kent, public health stats show only about 60% of long term care and retirement home staff have chosen to be vaccinated, compared to about 97% of long term care residents.
Government officials say encouraging more LTC staff to get vaccinated will reduce the likelihood of infections and outbreaks.
The new policies have to be in place by July 1st.