A letter from Fraser Health

The message below is for unvaccinated staff from
Dr. Aamir Bharmal, Medical Health Officer, Fraser Health &
Susanne Fox, Executive Director, Integrated Long-term care and Assisted Living services

Dear Menno Place Staff,

For many of us, the past 19 months have been the most challenging of our lifetimes. Thank you for your ongoing support of our clients and residents as they navigate both personal health issues and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we move into the fall, several new requirements have been put in place to support safety in our workplaces for those we serve. These Provincial Health Officer and the Ministry of Health requirements can effect your employment. Please ensure you review these requirements and speak with your manager if you have any questions.

Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination before October 12, 2021

On September 2, 2021, the Provincial Health Officer issued the Residential Care Staff COVID-19 Preventive Measures Order. The Order requires anyone working at a long-term care, assisted living or provincial mental health facility to receive their second dose of vaccine before October 12, 2021, as a condition of employment. Menno Place staff are required to comply with the Order. This means that if you have not received your second dose before October 12, 2021, you will not be permitted to work at a long-term care, assisted living or provincial mental health facility.

Failure to provide proof of full vaccination before October 12th is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Refusing to comply is a violation of the Public Health Act.

To be able to work in long-term care, assisted living or provincial mental health sites as of October 12, 2021, you must get vaccinated by these dates:

September 13, 2021	Deadline for first vaccine dose to ensure enough days to get vaccinated by October 12th
October 5, 2021	Deadline for second vaccine dose to be considered fully vaccinated by October 12, 2021
October 11, 2021	Deadline for second vaccine dose with daily rapid testing for seven days after 2nd dose until considered fully vaccinated on October 18th
October 12, 2021	Both vaccine doses required to work in Long-term Care, Assisted Living and Provincial Mental Health sites

Do not wait – get your vaccine as soon as possible. Walk-in appointments are open to anyone living in Fraser Health, including those without a personal health number. Find a location: fraserhealth.ca/vax or call 1-833-838-2323.

If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website at:

Mandatory mask use for all staff

The Ministry of Health has updated the Policy on Mask Use in Health Care Facilities during the
COVID-19 Pandemic, which states that all health care workers, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a medical mask at all times, including in common areas and break rooms unless eating and/or drinking.

Rapid testing for staff not fully vaccinated

Effective September 13, 2021, staff who are not fully vaccinated will need to undergo rapid testing for COVID-19 on every shift worked.

Staff are considered fully vaccinated seven days after their second dose. Staff who receive their second dose of vaccine between October 5 – 11, 2021 must continue rapid testing on each shift until they are fully vaccinated.

Menno Place is currently strongly recommending ALL staff in ALL buildings (regardless of immunization status) do rapid testing before every shift due to our Menno Home Outbreak.

If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact your Manager.

Thank you for your support in protecting our most vulnerable populations against COVID-19.