The policy, which was announced in September 2021, will expire on December 1.
“With more than 90 percent of the public and 99 percent of city staff with at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, science and public health guidance and medical expert advice no longer support the need for a policy requiring mandatory vaccination. “, the city said in a press release.
Earlier this year, the city announced it had fired 461 employees who failed to comply with the policy’s Jan. 2 deadline.
But on Tuesday, the city said about 350 unionized city employees who either failed to disclose their vaccination status or did not get vaccinated will be offered reinstatement on unpaid leave.
The city went on to say that staff members on unpaid leave will be eligible to return to work starting Dec. 1.
Toronto was one of the Ontario municipalities to maintain its policy of inoculating employees against COVID-19 after the province withdrew its vaccine certificate system on March 1.
Prior to this, members of the public had to show proof of vaccination when entering restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas and many other public places.
To date, some hospitals and long-term care homes across Ontario still require employees to be fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, although it is no longer required provincially.
Most public health restrictions in Ontario have been largely lifted, although the province’s top doctor “strongly recommends” indoor masks for people who are older or have an underlying condition.
Last month, Dr. Kieran Moore said he is actively considering making a mask recommendation for the general public amid what could be a “complex and difficult winter” battling COVID-19.
At present, no such recommendation or requirement has been issued.
The city said it will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation despite lifting the vaccination mandate next month.
Meanwhile, the TTC says it is aware of the city’s announcement and is discussing the development with its five workers.
“We are working with all of them as a courtesy to discuss the future of our mandatory vaccination policy going forward. The reinstatement of employees dismissed for non-compliance with the policy is under consideration,” the municipal agency said in a statement released on Tuesday.
The TTC said it fired 354 employees who did not comply with the COVID-19 vaccination policy effective Dec. 31.
For context, the Toronto Police Service announced the end of its vaccination policy in June of this year. Of the 205 members placed on indefinite leave after missing the deadline to get vaccinated or failing to disclose their status, at least 101 were able to return to work on June 21.
