Vaccination policies changed for Columbia Shuswap Regional District

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is suspending its COVID-19 vaccination policies for firefighters and elected officials.

The CSRD had a Proof of Vaccination Policy for paid on-call firefighters, but that policy is being lifted for the next six months or until further provincial public health orders are issued.

The policy can be rapidly re-issued should a COVID-19 outbreak take place within the CSRD’s fire services or any individual fire hall.

Unvaccinated firefighters will be required to wear masks when working directly in the CSRD administration building.

The CSRD’s chief administrative officer, human resources advisor and team leader of protective services have been given responsibility to oversee the policy and make decisions, meaning a board meeting will not have to be called to reinstate the policy.

Additionally, the policy requiring elected officials to be vaccinated against COVID-19 has also been eliminated.

However, any elected official who has chosen not to get the shot will be required to work remotely where possible, or wear a mask while in CSRD facilities and on CSRD business.

The vaccination policy remains in place for all current and newly hired CSRD employees.

The CSRD Board’s decision to temporarily lift the COVID-19 vaccination policy for firefighters came following discussions with members who said they were in favour of working with unvaccinated firefighters.

The CSRD lost approximately 15 per cent of its firefighting force under the vaccination policy, and it’s hoped the suspension of the policy will encourage those members to return to their firefighting duties.

Vaccination rates for the health areas included in the CSRD:

• Salmon Arm: 80% first doses / 77% second doses
• Revelstoke: 96% first doses / 92% second doses
• Golden: 93% first doses / 88% second doses