85 per cent of City of Calgary employees fully vaccinated against COVID-19

As of November 1, 85 per cent of City of Calgary employees were fully vaccinated and 5 per cent partially vaccinated against COVID-19. Calgary Fire reports 85 per cent of employees are fully vaccinated and 3 per cent partially vaccinated. Calgary Police report that 87 per cent of employees are fully vaccinated and 4 per cent partially vaccinated. These results are higher than the percentage of the general population who are vaccinated.

Under The City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, City employees who were not fully vaccinated and provided proof by November 1 are required to take part in a rapid testing program and a mandatory education program about the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. Approximately 2000 City employees are expected to take part in rapid testing and the mandatory education.

Home testing kits are now being provided to employees who will be taking part in the rapid testing program. The test is an at-home rapid antigen test and employees are required to upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test no less than twice weekly, with a minimum of 72 hours between tests. These kits will be provided at no cost for use until December 1, 2021.

Employees may become fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination at any time after November 1, in which case they will no longer be required to participate in the rapid testing program.

After December 1, City employees who are not fully vaccinated or have not provided proof of vaccination will be required to continue to participate in the rapid testing program on their own time and at their own expense.

With most employees now fully or partially vaccinated, we don’t expect any major service disruptions to Calgarians but will work to minimize any that arise. All City business units have business continuity plans in place to address COVID-19 and other issues. Business units are monitoring and assessing the situation with the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and have contingencies planned. All current COVID protocols will continue to be followed.

Emergency services, including Calgary Police Service and Calgary Fire, are not

projecting any service disruptions associated with the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

Resources and supports are available for employees struggling with issues relating to the pandemic through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

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