CEO

Dear valued colleagues,

Further to my memo dated September 3rd, after consulting with staff, resident/family councils and other seniors’ care organizations/associations, and carefully considering the evolving pandemic and best practice public health measures, we have implemented a Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. While there has been a very high uptake by staff, students and volunteers to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine, we need all Yee Hong team members to be vaccinated unless there is an approved medical exemption or human rights accommodation.

Full vaccination has been shown to be effective in reducing COVID-19 virus transmission and protecting vaccinated individuals from severe consequences of COVID-19 and its variants, including the Delta variant currently circulating in Ontario. Given the continuing spread of COVID-19 within Ontario, and the compelling data demonstrating a higher incidence of COVID-19 and transmission rate among the unvaccinated population, the message is clear. It is critical for Yee Hong team members to be fully vaccinated to protect themselves against serious illness from COVID-19 as well as to provide indirect protection to others, including colleagues, residents and clients.

Please take a moment to determine which of the following applies to you:

1. Fully vaccinated and have provided proof of vaccination to Yee Hong – you do not need to take any further steps.
   
   
2. Fully vaccinated but not provided proof – please provide proof of your vaccination by September 30th to Occupational Health or Program Coordinator, Volunteer Development as applicable.
   
   
3. Not fully vaccinated – (No valid exemption) All employees, placement students and volunteers as described in the policy are required to be fully vaccinated with a combination of COVID-19 vaccines that comply with the Ministry of Health’s recommendations by October 30, 2021. 
   
   
   • Immediate completion of the mandatory education program, if not already done so.
   • Completion of regular COVID-19 rapid antigen testing following testing guidelines until fully vaccinated.
   • For a two dose vaccine series, employees must receive one dose of COVID-19 vaccine by September 30, 2021 and a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine by October 30, 2021, and submit proof of each dose.
   • For a single dose vaccine series (e.g. Johnson and Johnson), employees must receive the required dose by October 30, 2021, and submit proof.
     
     
4. Not fully vaccinated – (with a valid medical or Ontario Human Rights Code exemption)
   
   
   • Immediate completion of the mandatory education program, if not already done so.
   • Completion of regular COVID-19 rapid antigen testing following testing guideline.
   • If there is a medical exemption, submit written proof of the medical exemption for COVID-19 vaccination provided by either a physician or nurse practitioner to Occupational Health or Program Coordinator, Volunteer
     Development as applicable by September 30, 2021
   • For a legitimate and demonstrable exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code, submit a completed declaration and a written request to the Human Resources department by September 30, 2021

We continue to support those still unvaccinated in getting access to the vaccine. Hourly staff will be paid three hours each time you get your COVID-19 vaccine dose.

How the policy affects you

• Yee Hong employees who do not obtain full vaccination and do not have an exemption as per the policy will be placed on unpaid leave as of November 01st, 2021.
• Placement students and volunteers who do not obtain full vaccination and do not have an exemption as per the policy shall have their term or assignment with Yee Hong cease.

We thank you again for your ongoing efforts to help us get over this pandemic.

Sincerely,

Dr. San Ng, PhD, MBA, BSc.
CEO

Attachments:

• COVID-19 Mandatory Immunization Policy
• Qs & As