SickKids Hospital puts 147 workers on unpaid leave for not providing proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children placed 147 of its employees across all functions on unpaid leave Thursday after they did not submit proof they received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the organization’s deadline.
SickKids spokesperson Jessamine Luck told CP24 that approximately 1.8 per cent of the hospital and research institute’s roughly 8,250 doctors, nurses, researchers, support staff and student trainees – including those working completely from home - are still not vaccinated or have unknown vaccination status and have been placed on unpaid leave.
“One-hundred and forty seven staff members, including corporate, clinical and research staff, both onsite and working remotely, are not fully vaccinated and/or have not submitted complete documentation and have been placed on unpaid leaves of absence.”
She said about 19 per cent of the workers put on leave Thursday have one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
“It is our hope that every staff member who is currently not fully vaccinated will become fully vaccinated at their earliest opportunity and return from leave.We do not anticipate any disruptions to patient care as a result of the vaccine mandate policy.”
Back in August, SickKids and two other Ontario hospitals announced vaccine mandates that did not give unvaccinated workers an option to submit to regular testing.
Ontario rules allow other hospital workers to submit to regular rapid antigen testing, paid for by taxpayers, instead of accepting a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Ford government has asked hospital administrators for input on whether to make rules more stringent.
The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table urged Ford to make vaccinations mandatory in the healthcare space, saying it could reduce the risk of future staff shortages caused by COVID-19 outbreaks in healthcare facilities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.