MEDIA RELEASE: DRHC IMPLEMENTS MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

November 25, 2021

DRYDEN, Ontario -The Dryden Regional Health Centre (DRHC) has made the decision to move forward with a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which requires all employees, physicians, volunteers, learners and other affiliates be fully vaccinated by February 23, 2022. Exemptions may be granted for those with medical contraindication, or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

This policy is an update from the previous COVID-19 Immunization Policy, which required all staff, physicians and affiliates who were unvaccinated, or chose not to disclose their vaccination status to undergo routine antigen testing every 72 hours in compliance with Directive #6 from the Ministry of Health.

Patients and visitors will not be impacted by the updated policy. All other infection control measures including mandatory masking and personal protective equipment (PPE) and other public health recommendations will continue to be followed.

"Moving forward with the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is an additional step we are taking to protect our most vulnerable patients and to maintain a safe work environment for our employees and physicians. Ensuring that DRHC remains a safe place for the community to receive care is and always has been our number one priority throughout the pandemic," says Doreen Armstrong-Ross, President and Chief Executive Officer of DRHC.

"Approximately 91% of DRHC staff are already fully vaccinated against COVID-19. I want to share my sincere appreciation for all staff, volunteers, affiliates and medical staff for all they have done during the pandemic and to those who have made that next step to keep our hospital and community safe by getting vaccinated," adds Armstrong-Ross.

"The evidence shows that vaccines are extremely effective in reducing the rate of COVID-19 infection, and developing more serious illness. Unvaccinated individuals make up the vast majority of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the province," says Dr. Bruce Cook, Chief of Staff. "I am confident that by implementing mandatory vaccination, along with the majority of Ontario Hospitals, DRHC is making an important step in protecting patients, and moving towards an end to the pandemic."

For further information, please contact:
Doreen Armstrong-Ross
Chief Executive Officer
Dryden Regional Health Centre
Box 3003,
Dryden, Ontario P8N 2Z6
Telephone: (807) 223-8201 Extension 2260

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