A new public health order requiring rapid testing of designated front-line public servants who are not fully vaccinated will come into effect on October 18, 2021.
“Nothing is more important than the health and safety of vulnerable Manitobans during this fourth COVID-19 wave,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon. “Ensuring public-sector workers that provide valuable public services like health care and education services are routinely tested for COVID-19 or fully immunized will help ensure the safety of their workplace and the people they serve.”
On Aug. 24, the Manitoba government announced requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccination for designated front-line public servants. This builds on the successful rapid testing provisions for employees in personal care homes launched in December 2020, and the Fast Pass sites in the province’s school system for teachers and educational workers launched in early 2021.
“This new order requires all public servants who have direct and ongoing or prolonged contact with vulnerable populations to undergo regular testing procedures or be fully vaccinated,” said Gordon. “These measures are being put in place as early as possible to protect vulnerable Manitobans and public servants from a fourth wave of COVID-19 and the more transmissible delta variant.”
Under the public health order, designated public-sector workplaces will be required to make rapid testing available on-site for unvaccinated employees. The regular provincial COVID-19 testing sites will remain available for these employees if they have received a positive rapid test, have COVID-19 symptoms or have otherwise been directed by public health officials to seek a test at such a provincial testing site.
The public health order does not apply to the private sector, not-for-profit sector or organizations that may choose to enact their own vaccination or testing requirements. Access to rapid tests for business that choose to enact their own requirements is being co-ordinated through the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. For more information on how to acquire rapid tests, visit winnipeg-chamber.com.
“Vaccines are the best protection against COVID-19, for individuals and for others, and I want to thank all Manitoba public-sector workers for their ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable Manitobans and their colleagues,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “The best protection against this fourth COVID-19 wave is to get vaccinated, get tested and follow all public health orders designed to keep you, your family and your community safe.”
The public health order will be posted at gov.mb.ca. For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, including testing, visit manitoba.ca.
