Mandatory COVID-19 testing is being introduced for staff at dozens of long-term care homes across New Brunswick with low vaccination rates.
Starting Monday, unvaccinated employees working in facilities where less than half of staff have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine must take a rapid test every other day.
“We have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable seniors in our province,” Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch said in a statement.
Figures released by the province Thursday show 99 of the 563 long-term care facilities in New Brunswick — about one in six — have vaccination rates below 50 per cent.
That works out to around 1,100 long-term care workers across the province who have not yet received a first dose of the vaccine.
Fitch said with COVID-19 outbreaks still occurring in long-term care facilities, the province has no choice but to impose additional measures.
“This situation is unacceptable and does not align with our mandate to ensure the frail and vulnerable seniors in our care are in a safe environment,” he said.
Test kits and training will be provided, according to the province.
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