Mandatory vaccinations coming for Extendicare staff

Extendicare brought Saskatchewan its deadliest COVID outbreak, and now it’s looking to take more precautions to protect its residents.

According to a release from a coalition of national seniors’ living operators, which includes Extendicare, COVID vaccinations will be mandatory at all of its long-term care homes across Canada. Other major operators — Chartwell, Responsive Group, Revera and Sienna — will also proceed with mandatory vaccinations.

Last winter, 39 residents at Extendicare in Regina died as a result of the outbreak that left all but four residents in the facility with a positive COVID test.

Any staff members who aren’t fully vaccinated will be placed on an unpaid leave of absence following Oct. 12, 2021.

Full vaccination will also be required for all new hires, students and agency personnel across all organizations.