A motion which would require Norfolk County staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested for the virus twice weekly was defeated in a 5-4 vote at this week’s council meeting.
The same motion was defeated in a tie last week, and was pulled for further discussion by Councillor Kim Huffman this week.
Councillor Amy Martin echoed her statements.
Other councillors were concerned regarding the ramifications of requiring a vaccine, or the cost for the staff that would need to be tested twice a week.
Councillor Chris Van Paassen mentioned that these regulations are not in place at the provincial level.
Mayor Kristal Chopp had asked questions of staff last week, and was hopeful to get answers at this week’s meeting.
Among the questions was how many County services are being provided by unvaccinated staff, which staff was unable to answer.
She also questioned the odds of a unvaccinated employee transferring the virus to a vaccinated coworker.
In the recorded vote, councillors Amy Martin, Michael Columbus, Linda Vandendriessche, and Kim Huffman were for the motion.
Against the motion was Mayor Kristal Chopp, and councillors Tom Masschaele, Chris Van Paassen, Ryan Taylor, and Ian Rabbitts.
At the end of the discussion each council member disclaimed that they are fully vaccinated and do support and encourage everyone to get the vaccine.