Minister Dube says 7,000 Quebec health-care workers still not vaccinated as Oct. 15 deadline looms
CTV
As the Oct. 15 vaccine mandate looms, more than 7,000 health-care workers in Quebec are still not vaccinated against COVID-19, health minister Christian Dube announced Tuesday.
The health minister revealed the number during a news conference Tuesday about third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine that will be made available to seniors living in residences. The figure reflects workers who are in direct contact with patients.
Dubé has previously announced that health-care workers must be vaccinated by Oct. 15 or face suspension without pay. With weeks to go before the new measure takes effect, the ministry of health will initiate a "reorganization" of health-care services to respond to a lack of staff in hospitals, including possibly delaying surgeries.
"Unfortunately, all things are being looked at right now because there is a there is a promise that we want the patient to go into hospital and be served by people that are vaccinated," Dubé said Tuesday.
He said patients might not get health care "at the time or place that they would like to" in the reorganization of services, should there be a dramatic loss of staff.
