An immunization policy for Red Deer city councillors was given final approval on Monday.
The policy applies to members of city council as well as volunteers appointed to Council boards and committees, and comes into effect immediately.
“As elected officials, we need to lead by example in the response to COVID-19. This policy is reflective of our goal in protecting ourselves and our community while doing what we can to safeguard our health care system,” said Mayor Ken Johnston.
If a member of Council or volunteer board or committee member is not fully immunized, proof of negative rapid antigen test must be provided to attend an in-person meeting or event when representing the City of Red Deer.
The requirement for rapid testing for those who do not provide proof of immunization comes into effect Feb. 7.
Councillors and volunteers often have unplanned or spontaneous meetings with citizens at a grocery store or the mall — the policy is not intended to govern those sorts of interactions, said Johnston. It only applies to formal meetings or events which the councillor or volunteer has been requested to attend by the mayor or by council to represent the city.
The policy can be found on the city’s website.