Toronto cancels some recreation classes due to staffing impact from vaccination policy
Posted November 9, 2021 9:18 pm.
Last Updated November 10, 2021 1:07 pm.
The city says it will pause some recreation classes this week because of impacts on staff from its COVID-19 vaccine policy, which required all employees to receive an entire vaccine course by October 30.
In a news release, the city says the modified classes could include sports, fitness, dance and arts, adding that anyone affected will be contacted directly. If staff have not provided proof of complete vaccination, the city says individuals will be suspended for up to six weeks or until official documentation is presented.
Class subscribers will receive credits on their accounts for the missed class, the city confirms.
The city says a cancelled class doesn’t indicate an instructor was not vaccinated against the virus, explaining the decision has to do with minimizing cancellations as staff are reallocated to different programs — including but not limited to, child care ratios, lifeguards and cleaning protocols.
“Our staff are working to address any impacts to programming and working in real-time to implement mitigation efforts with the goal of continuing to offer as many of our fall programs as possible,” City Manager Chris Murray said in a statement.
“I strongly encourage everyone to receive a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect our community and each other.”
Toronto Police, Toronto Fire Services or Toronto Paramedic Services will not be impacted due to Toronto’s vaccination policy.
Nearly 250 city staff were placed on unpaid leave last week for not providing their vaccination status.
