Niagara Catholic District School Board COVID 19 VACCINATION DISCLOSURE AOP ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
100 – Board	No. 100.16
Adopted Date: September 10, 2021	Latest Reviewed/Revised Date:

The Administrative Operational Procedures apply to all school board employees, trustees, frequent school visitors and other professionals, including third-party providers, delivery services, volunteers, permit holders, contractors, customers , and other members of organizations , who enter any Niagara Catholic District School Board (“Board”) facility. Among other things, the objectives of this AOP are:

1.   Proof of Vaccination or Other Evidence

1.1   All persons to whom this AOP applies are required to provide the following, where applicable, to the Board by a date specified by the Ministry:

 

i.   The completion of the Board Vaccination Attestation,   attesting to being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

 

ii.   If the individual has received the total required number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization, proof of having received all required doses, or

 

iii.   Written proof of medical reason, provided by either a physician or a nurse practitioner that sets out:

a)   A documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and

b)   The effective time period for the medical reason; or

 

iv.   Proof that the individual has completed an educational program approved by the Ministry that addresses, at a minimum, all of the following:

 

a)   How COVID-19 vaccines work;

b)   Vaccine safety related to the development of COVID-19 vaccines;

c)   The benefits of vaccination against COVID-19;

d)   Risks of not being vaccinated against COVID-19; and

e)   Possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccination.

 

1.2   An individual who, in lieu of the proof of vaccination has provided proof of a medical reason, pursuant to subsection 1.1(iii) or of the completion of an educational program pursuant to subsection 1.1(iv) must undergo rapid COVID-19 antigen testing, as directed by the Ontario Ministry of Health and provide proof of a negative result to gain access to Board premises.

 

1.3   If the effective time period of a medical reason provided pursuant to subsection 1.1(iii) (b) has expired, the individual must, within 30 days of the medical reason expiring, provide proof of vaccination in accordance with subsection 1.1(ii) or proof that the individual completed an educational program in accordance with subsection 1.1(iv).

 

1.4   The Board will only collect, use and disclose information regarding an individual’s vaccination status in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“MFIPPA”) and all applicable privacy laws. The proof of vaccination or other evidence collected pursuant to subsection 2.1 will be kept confidential and secure.

 

2.   Exemptions

2.1   The Board recognizes its responsibilities and duties under provincial human rights legislation, such as the Human Rights Code (the “Code”). If an individual is unable to be vaccinated, due to a protected ground as defined by the Code, the Board has a duty to accommodate to a point of undue hardship.

 

However, this duty to accommodate must be balanced against the Board’s obligations to protect the health and safety of staff and students. Due to the serious health threat COVID-19 presents to the public, if an individual will not be vaccinated because of a protected ground under the Code, they must request an accommodation or exemption, which falls under one of the following two categories: (i) Medical Condition; or (ii) Religious/Creed.

 

i.   Medical Condition Exemption

An individual who is requesting an exemption on the basis of a medical condition must provide the Board with a letter from a physician or nurse practitioner, clearly stating the reason why the individual should be exempted from receiving the vaccine. This letter must be provided to the Board by a date specified by the Ministry.

 

ii.   Religious/Creed Exemption

An individual may apply for an exemption, due to religious belief or creed. The Board reserves the right to ask for materials in support of the individual’s religious belief or creed, including a letter of support from a religious leader or community.

 

2.2   Accommodation Process

The accommodation process is a shared responsibility. All parties should co-operatively engage in the process, share information , and consider potential accommodation solutions. Employees who are requesting an accommodation are required to:

a.   Make the accommodation needs known to the best of their ability, preferably in writing, in a timely manner;

b.   Answer reasonable questions or provide information about relevant restrictions or limitations, including information from health care professionals;

c.   Take part in discussions about possible accommodations solutions;

d.   Co-operate with any experts whose assistance is required to manage the accommodation process;

e.   Meet agreed-upon performance standards and requirements, once accommodation is provided; and

f.   Work with Board and/or school administration on an ongoing basis to manage the accommodation process.

 

Depending on workplace circumstances and learning and teaching considerations, possible accommodations may include, but are not limited to , masking, physical distancing, rapid antigen testing, remote learning arrangements, work-from-home arrangements, job-protected leave of absence and/or restricted duties and responsibilities.

 

  References

·   Instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health under subsection 2(2.1) of Schedule and Schedule 4 of Ontario Regulation 364/20 Rules for Areas at Step 3 under Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020

Back to top