THE Surrey City Council on Monday adopted the same vaccination requirements that have been introduced for City staff. Effective January 4, 2022, all City of Surrey staff and elected officials must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to the City.

Employees who fail to provide proof of vaccination will be given a further opportunity to do so from January 5 to January 31, 2022. During this period, employees will be able to continue to work so long as they participate in the City’s Rapid Testing Program. The City will cover the costs of the rapid testing kits until January 31. Participation in an online education program about the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccinations is also required.

Beginning February 1, employees without proof of vaccination will be required to continue to participate in the City’s Rapid Testing program and are responsible for associated costs (i.e., the cost of rapid testing kits). Test results will be considered valid for 72 hours from the time the test is completed.

Employees who have not provided proof of vaccination or participate in the City’s Rapid Testing Program will be placed on an immediate leave of absence for a minimum of 30 days. The leave of absence will be unpaid unless the employee has accrued/banked vacation or other banked time available to use during the leave of absence.  Employees will be permitted to return to work if they provide proof of vaccination prior to the end of their leave period. Upon the expiration of the leave of absence, employees who do not provide proof of vaccination or comply with the rapid testing requirements will be subject to disciplinary action.

Volunteers and contractors who work in City facilities and/or alongside City employees are also required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to the City. Volunteers and contractors who are not yet fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022, will not be permitted to enter City facilities or work alongside City employees.

The City of Surrey says its goal is to continue to ensure the greatest possible protection for the individual health of citizens and employees, while providing excellence in customer service and maintaining operational efficiency.