Council Removes Pandemic Vaccination Requirements For City Facilities
By Robert Thomas
Following the lead of the Province Council decided to eliminate the need to show proof of vaccination (or a negative COVID - 19 test) to enter a City facility or Council meeting by a citizen, a City employee or a contractor.
But there is one proviso they voted to have put them in abeyance in case of an upsurge in COVID - 19 and they are needed once more.
“It appears there is light at the end of the tunnel,” city manager Jim Puffalt said.
Masks must still be worn at public and City facilities because of the Province’s mandates until February 28th - MJ Independent file photo
The wearing of masks will still be required until the end of February.
At their October 12, 2021 meeting Council agreed to institute four policies regarding the COVID - 19 pandemic. Those policies included:
A COVID - 19 vaccination policy requiring employees to be vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID - 19 test on a weekly basis.
The wearing of masks at City facilities and Mosaic Place.
That the City would pay for employees tests, but not for contractors) until December 31, 2021.
That contractors had to provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID - 19 test (at their cost) to work inside a City facility.
“We don’t want to recreate any of the regulations unless there is a re-occurence,” Puffalt said pointing out that last Fall there was a need for the Province to re-institute previously re-pealed mandates when COVID - 19 had an upsurge.
“If we need them then there is not a scramble,” he said.
Despite stating the City had told employees who were not vaccinated getting tested on Monday, to see what Council would decide, Puffalt said he still believed in the measures adopted to control the virus.
“We told them (City employees) it was Council’s decision (and we would hold) those
“Masks and booster shots are still the best route.”
Puffalt said though if Council wanted to have a masking mandate - once the Province drops their requirements on February 28th - they could vote in favour of it.
Councillor Doug Blanc put forward the motion to put the four policies in abeyance but at the same time asking people to respect one another with their own personal decisions about masking.
“It has always been a divisive issue in Moose Jaw and Canada especially the past few weeks,” Councillor Blanc said, adding “we were told we have to follow their (the Proivince’s) direction.”
“We have to follow the Province’s recommendations.”
Councillor Blanc said he hoped their would be respect on both sides given its divisive nature.
“I hope people are respectful that if people want to wear their masks out in public (places),” he said.
He also stated that despite the appearances of going back to normal there will be changes in the future.
“…we should not be shaking hands with anybody as they cough in their hands and what not….”
Councillor Kim Robinson, the lone voice on Council who opposed the original measures, said “the sooner the better” to getting rid of the policies.
“I hope people take precautions,” Councillor Robinson stated making mention of proper hand washing.
He noted the COVID - 19 virus had seen dwindling efficacy.
Mayor Clive Tolley, who had received a large amount of emails in favour of dropping the policies, said it was not the City’s desire to oppose what the Province has done.
“We never had any intention (other than) to put in the Province’s regulations and remove them when the Province did,” Mayor Tolley said, adding “we will follow the direction of the Department of Health and the Premier.”
Asked about what sort of reaction he was expecting to removing the policies at the post Council media Scrum Mayor Tolley said “you’re happy, I’m happy, everybody is happy.”
“The City, Moose Jaw City Council, Administration had no intention to do it other than follow the Provincial directive. The Premier came out with a directive and tonight we simply took the bylaws we put in place and put them in abeyance. In another words if something happened down the road and we needed them at a future date they could be re-instituted but hopefully that will never happen.”
As part of the written report to Council Dr. Tabien, Moose Jaw Public Health Officer, stated the basic preventative measures include:
• Reducing high risk exposures and contact.
• Wearing masks effectively.
• Getting fully vaccinated, including a booster dose.
The wearing of masks is still a requirement of the Province at this time and is expected to be rescinded February 28th.