WHITEHORSE – Today, the City of Whitehorse announces a mandatory vaccine directive requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated by February 20th, 2022.
“As one of the largest employers in the territory, the City has an obligation to protect its workforce, as well as the public that uses our facilities on a daily basis,” said Mayor Laura Cabott. “The safety of our residents is a top priority as we continue to offer a high level of service during this pandemic.”
This decision is supported by the desire to fulfil obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of the Yukon, which requires the City to take all reasonable steps to ensure its workplace is safe. In addition, the Government of Yukon declared a state of emergency on Nov. 8 in response to a significant surge in COVID-19 cases. Finally, the City joins other large employers in the territory that have already established mandatory vaccination policies for their employees.
The City has continually encouraged its staff to get vaccinated as soon as they were eligible. Guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health of the Yukon demonstrates that vaccines provide a high level of protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
As of Feb. 20th, City employees will be required to have received their first and second doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
-30-
Contact
Myles Dolphin
Manager, Strategic Communications
City of Whitehorse
myles.dolphin@whitehorse.ca
867-689-0515
