Mandatory Rapid Testing for Unvaccinated Staff
Important Reminder: Rapid Testing and Proof of Vaccination
Effective September 16, 2021
Commencing September 16, 2021, any staff who are not yet fully vaccinated (seven days past Dose 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine) arerequired to undergo rapid testing for COVID-19 prior to every shift worked, in accordance with the Provincial Health Officer’s COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventive Measures Order. Mask use continues to be required for all staff regardless of vaccination status.
As you know, facilities including Menno Place have been confirming vaccination status for staff through the system set out under the PHO’s Order. While considerable progress has been made to verify vaccination status for staff throughout the province, the verification process for Menno Place staff is not yet complete.
On a temporary basis, pending our receipt of full verification of vaccination status records for staff through the Provincial Health Officer, you may provide your proof of vaccination directly to the screener to be exempt from the mandatory rapid testing requirement. To do so, please bring your proof of vaccination with you for any shifts on or after September 16, 2021. To be fully vaccinated and exempt from the rapid testing requirement, you must be seven days past Dose 2. All fully vaccinated staff are strongly encouraged to rapid test prior to each shift.
Please note that according to the Provincial Health Order definition is:
“unvaccinated” means that a person does not meet the definition of “vaccinated” and includes a. a staff member who has not provided the information required to be provided under this Order, and; b. a staff member who has not been vaccinated in British Columbia, and who does not provide their vaccination history as required by this Order;
“vaccinated” means a person who is at least seven days post-receipt of the full series of a World Health Organization (“WHO”) approved vaccines against infection by SARS-CoV-2, or a combination of approved WHO vaccines
All vaccinated staff are strongly recommended to take a rapid test prior to each shift. You may be positive and asymptomatic – a rapid test may catch that and protect residents and staff.
Unvaccinated – Where to go for Rapid Test
Please ensure that you come early enough to arrive in time to complete the 10 minute test and get to shift report or your workstation on time.
Menno Hospital
All unvaccinated staff in Menno Hospital must do a rapid test prior to their shift with the screener who is located at the biometric hand scanner in the Admin hallway.
Menno Home W2
All unvaccinated staff working in Menno Home W2 (Entrance C), please go to C entrance for your rapid test. The night nurse will screen you for morning and night shifts. The 3pm shift will be screened by a Visitation Host stationed at entrance C.
Menno Home W1 and E2
All unvaccinated staff working in Menno Home W1 and E2, please go to your regular entrance for your rapid test. The night nurse will screen you for morning and night shifts.
The 3pm shift will be screened by a Visitation Host stationed at entrance A. Once you receive your negative test result, you’ll walk around to the E2 entrance.
Menno Home E1
All unvaccinated staff working in Menno Home E1, please go to Entrance B for your rapid test. The night nurse will screen you for morning, afternoon and night shifts.
Apartments
Primrose Gardens, Terrace West and Pavilion staff – please go to the Terrace West bistro to do your rapid test. Report your test result to your supervisor.
Terrace East – please enter through the front door of the building for rapid testing.
The BC government has amended the Employment Standards Act (ESA) to expand the availability of paid personal illness or injury leave to cover all employees, including casual employees, after 90 consecutive days of employment. The amendments became effective March 31, 2022.