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City of Burnaby workers sent home without pay for missing COVID-19 vaccine deadline

City expected all employees to be vaccinated by Nov. 29
Jess Balzer
Jess Balzer
burnaby-city-hall-cornelia
Burnaby city hall.Cornelia Naylor

After issuing its vaccination directive in October, the majority of city employees have gotten vaccinated against COVID-19. 

City of Burnaby Manager of Corporate Communications Chris Bryan tells the NOW that more than 90% of city staff are vaccinated. 

Those who chose not to be fully immunized have to be tested up to three tests per week. Bryan says there are 81 staff in the category. 

Bryan said there are 11 employees that are not vaccinated and who also refuse to be tested. They are currently at home without pay. 

"We are hopeful that those staff will choose to participate in the test screening program or get vaccinated and can return to a safe workplace," he said. 

On Oct. 28, 2021, the city said they expected all staff to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 29 as part of its continued commitment to protecting the health and safety of staff and the community. 

"Throughout the pandemic, we have aligned our efforts to support the overall provincial pandemic response and have followed the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). Implementing this vaccination policy is consistent with that direction and is one additional measure to ensure our workplaces and communities are as safe as possible," a release read. 

"We also recognize that we have a role to play in supporting the provincial effort to increase vaccination rates to protect the health of all B.C. residents." 

As of today (Dec. 3), vaccine rates in Burnaby's four city quadrants are as follows: 

BURNABY NORTHWEST

  • Vaccination coverage (first dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 96%
  • Vaccination coverage (second dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 94%

BURNABY NORTHEAST

  • Vaccination coverage (first dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 96%
  • Vaccination coverage (second dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 93%

BURNABY SOUTHWEST

  • Vaccination coverage (first dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 94%
  • Vaccination coverage (second dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 92%

BURNABY SOUTHEAST

  • Vaccination coverage (first dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 92%
  • Vaccination coverage (second dose) of those 12 years of age and older: 90%