Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced at a news conference today, July 26, that the government is lifting the COVID-19 state of emergency that’s been in effect since March 17, 2020.
As a result of lifting the Public Health Emergency, the requirement for health care workers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 is rescinded effective immediately.
In moving forward, the government announced plans to introduce a coordinated provincial approach to track and monitor the vaccination and immunization status of health care employees working for facilities run by health authorities, affiliate and contracted employers, such as those in long-term care.
Under this mandatory registration system, health care workers are required to inform their employers on their COVID-19 vaccination status and their immunization status on preventable diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, chicken pox, Hepatitis B and whooping cough.
Following the guidelines in the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s Immunization Manual, the provincial regulation is scheduled to be phased in over a one-year period – beginning with new hires – and is expected to be fully in place by the end of September 2025.
This initiative is aimed at keeping health care workers, patients, residents and the public safe, especially during future outbreaks of influenza or other diseases.
How does this impact HEU members?
The union has contacted HEABC to discuss how this announcement effects members previously terminated, and how outstanding grievances will be addressed.
HEU will also be addressing the impact on members working in the private sector.
Please check HEU’s website for future updates as we learn more information.