Desperate for details
Clarity needed for businesses affected by phase 5 vaccine policy
SYDNEY — Melanie Capstick has already made a call to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
The Sydney woman who has worked in the foodservice industry for 20 years is worried that when Nova Scotia’s vaccine policy comes into effect on Oct. 4 she might not be able to work.
“I want to get all my ducks in a row in case it comes to that,” Capstick said. “I want to know what my rights are if it comes to that and they say I can’t work because I didn’t get the vaccine.”
Nova Scotia announced this week phase 5 of its reopening plan starts on Sept. 15. Part of it includes a vaccine policy for some non-essential businesses, where people who want to go into the establishments must show proof of vaccination.
Restaurants are one of the examples given in the incomplete list of sectors that will fall under the policy.
The policy starts on Oct. 4, two weeks after public health protections measures stop. Public health said in a written statement in response to emailed questions on Friday that more details would be coming about the vaccination policy in the weeks leading up to the Oct. 4 start date.
Capstick doesn’t want to take a COVID-19 vaccine because she feels there are too many health risks. Along with the known adverse side effects, like Bell’s Palsy, Capstick suffered hemorrhaging during a tonsil surgery years ago. Both are rare occurrences but it’s more risk than Capstick wants to take.
“I think it’s unfair and discriminatory.” Melanie Capstick, on Nova Scotia’s phase 5 vaccine policy
“I bled out for hours and lost litres and litres of blood. Is this something I want to take a chance with putting in my system and possibly have a bleeding side effect?” she said.
“And if I do, it possibly could kill me or hurt me or hurt me doing my job. I don’t want to take that chance.”
When Nova Scotia’s vaccine policy comes into effect on Oct. 4, Capstick fears it will mean she has to be vaccinated to go to work.
“I think it’s unfair and discriminatory,” she said. “I don’t want anyone to know about my health and I don’t want to know about anyone else’s. I don’t think it’s my business to ask people whether they have had a vaccine or not.”
STAFF INCLUDED?
During a Sept. 9 press conference, Premier Tim Houston said anyone who would be in the establishment would be required to follow the vaccine policy which he called “timelimited”
“We’re not talking about any type of mandatory vaccine policy if that’s what you’re getting at. But certainly, people working in those establishments would be subject to the same rules as the proprietors,” Houston said.
“If you are going to be in one of these establishments, there is a proof of vaccination policy and everyone has to
follow that policy.”
In response to emailed questions, the Department of Health and Wellness said they are currently working to finalize all details of the policy which includes “whether staff who work in sectors covered by the policy will be included.”
“With that said, employers have an obligation to make a workplace safe for workers and patrons. This may include establishing a vaccine policy or other public health measures to reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” reads the written statement.
“We encourage all eligible Nova Scotians regardless of where they work or the activities
they participate in, to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”
RESTAURANT
Ziggy’s Pub and Grill owner David Huntington said information he received from the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia leads him to believe as the employer he makes the vaccine policy for his staff.
Other information provided by the association indicates how many customers were in favour of a vaccine policy.
“Seventy per cent of consumers surveyed were in favour of seeing vaccine passports or policies in place for restaurants and malls. They also said 75 per cent for concerts and large gatherings and 60 per cent in the workplace” Huntington said.
Knowing things can change before Oct. 4, Huntington said “clarity” is needed in some areas of the current plan; particularly how restaurants are supposed to operate from Sept. 15 to Oct. 4.
“I don’t know what the process is for those two-anda-half weeks when social distancing and masking is gone but the vaccine policy hasn’t started yet. Do we ask customers for proof of vaccination? Or don’t we?” Huntington asked.
“And proof of vaccination, I have mine. Some people have theirs (printed off) and laminated and they carry that around. Will that be sufficient?”
Overall, Huntington feels a sense of relief from staff and customers that healthprotecting protocols will be relaxed and a drink at the pub can be enjoyed with a bare face again.