The Cariboo Regional District’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement for volunteer fire fighters may be put on hold.
Chris Keam, the CRD’s Manager of Communications, confirms that the Board is recommending that it be deferred for up to two months to allow for further discussion.
He also confirms that the recommendation is now being considered by Chief Administrative Officer John MacLean.
The workplace rule is set to take effect on Monday. (Jan 17)
Today’s decision by the Board comes in the wake of a statement made by the Lone Butte Volunteer Fire Department on its Facebook page that said that it would no longer have sufficient numbers to respond to medical calls.
Fire Chief Jon Grieve also said that they were instituting mandatory aid for all other calls because they were getting dangerously low in membership and daily availability.
He also cautioned that there could be delays for other calls as well due to a lack of availability, a lack of members, and the need for aid to come from other departments outside the area.
ORIGINAL STORY:
It appears to be the first fallout from the Cariboo Regional District’s workplace rule on mandatory vaccination.
The Lone Butte Volunteer Fire Department has issued a statement on its Facebook page saying that it will no longer have sufficient numbers to adequately and responsibly provide services for Medical First Responder.
“It pains us to restrict this service temporarily until restrictions ease, but in the community’s best interest we cannot offer this service without confidence we have enough members to both attend and remain available for another call.”
Fire Chief Jon Grieve also says they are instituting mandatory aid for all other calls starting on January 17th to assist them.
“As we are dangerously low in membership and daily availability. Again, I wish to express how difficult this decision was but is of necessity.”
Grieve goes on to say that they are making their best attempt to answer all other calls except medical.
He cautions though, that there could be delays in call outs due to a lack of availability, lack of members, and aid coming from other departments outside their area.