98 per cent of City of Toronto employees now fully vaccinated

Today, the City of Toronto announced that 98 per cent of employees are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The City continues to see an increase in the number of employees receiving COVID-19 vaccines. As of end of day Wednesday, December 1, 99 per cent of staff have at least one dose of vaccine, with 98 per cent of City employees – an increase of 169 staff members since the last update – now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

As of end of day Wednesday, December 1:

• City staff who have submitted their vaccination status: 32,339 (99.9 per cent of the active workforce) — an increase of 98 compared to November 25
• Staff who have received a complete COVID-19 vaccine course: 31,627 (98 per cent of the active workforce) — an increase of 169 compared to November 25
• Staff who report being partially vaccinated: 428 (1 per cent of the active workforce) — a decrease of 49 compared to November 25
• Staff who report not having received any vaccine doses or have not disclosed: 309 (less than one per cent of the active workforce) — a decrease of 94 compared to November 25
• Staff placed on unpaid suspension for non-compliance with the policy: 550 — an increase of 9 compared to November 25
• Staff currently on a leave of absence pending review of an accommodation request: 72 — a decrease of 3 compared to November 25
• Staff who were on leave or suspended and have now returned to work after becoming compliant with the policy: 51 — an increase of 36 compared to November 25

As reported last week, as a result of recent direction from the Ministry of Health which revised the recommended second dose interval to eight weeks for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, the City extended vaccination status review meetings for those who disclosed they received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by October 31, until the week of January 2, 2022. This extension will allow all staff at least eight weeks from the time of their first dose to receive their second dose. During the week of January 2, all employees who are found to be non-compliant with the policy will have their employment terminated for cause (previously, the deadline was December 13).

As the City continues the implementation of its vaccination policy, it does not anticipate impacts to critical and priority services. There are no additional changes to recreational programs to report this week. Emergency response by Toronto Police, Toronto Fire Services or Toronto Paramedic Services will not be impacted as a result of the COVID-19 vaccination policy.

The City has taken a leadership role in making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for its workforce and is meeting its obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable to protect employees from workplace hazards, including COVID-19.

The City will continue to comply with its human rights obligations. Staff who are not able to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine under a protected ground set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code, will be entitled to accommodation.

Learn more about the City’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.

Quote:

“As we approach the holiday season, it is reassuring to see that the vast majority of City employees have opted to receive a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine, to protect themselves, their families and the residents we serve.”
– Chris Murray, City Manager

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.