CBC will ban unvaxxed visitors from all their buildings in the most extreme COVID-19 precaution of any Crown corporation, says Blacklock’s Reporter..The ban on unimmunized people includes the general public, contractors and TV and radio guests..“These newly established requirements are in line with public health guidance and the government’s unvaccinated expectations for Crown corporations including CBC,” Marco Dubé, vice-president of the network, wrote in a note to employees..But no other managers of any federal buildings, including penitentiaries, have imposed a complete ban on unvaccinated visitors..The Commons’ Board of Internal Economy has said even House galleries will be open to unvaccinated members of the public who can prove a negative COVID-19 test..“Since the onset of the pandemic CBC has taken the necessary health and safety measures to ensure everyone who accesses our facilities remains safe,” wrote Dubé..“Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective tools in the response to Covid-19. As a result, we will soon be implementing vaccination requirements for all persons who access our facilities..“Starting December 1 CBC will require all third parties — contractors, subcontractors, guests, independent producers, etcetera — who work at or visit any CBC location, including rented spaces, to be fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination may be required. Any individual who does not meet this requirement will be refused access.”.The CBC operates 27 television stations and 88 radio stations nationwide in addition to a 35,450-sq.- ft. newsroom in Ottawa, its 10-storey, $380 million headquarters on Toronto’s Front Street, and a 24-storey office tower in Montréal..Network managers Thursday said the compulsory vaccination order would be strictly enforced..“CBC reserves the right to audit compliance with these new requirements including by requesting proof of vaccination for specific individuals or a more detailed attestation of compliance,” Dubé..CBC introduced the visitors’ ban though 75% of employees are already vaccinated, by company estimate, and 80% of employees worked at home from the onset of the pandemic on March 11, 2020.
