NSW police force sets 30th Nov as deadline for staff to get fully vaccinated

In the midst of North South Wales( NSW)’s escalating Delta catastrophe, the NSW police force announced it is mandatory for all the staff to get their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by 30th September and the second dose by 30th November. Internal systems have been installed to record the happenings of all vaccinations and assist officers in supervising deployment, well-being and safety of everyone. 

Karen Webb,  NSW Police's Corporate Services Deputy Commissioner said that the decision was made owing to the responsibilities of the police force on the frontline. Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is also a big consideration. More than 17,000 employees of the force have either received full or partial inoculations, he added. 

Members of the force who have medical and ‘other valid reasons’ for not getting vaccinated will  be given exemptions only.

Prior to the NSW announcement, Premier Gladys Berejiklian stated that 74% of the NSW populace had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination. By mid October, the state will be on its way to fully vaccinate 70% of its citizens. 

Before NSW police, the Queensland force had made vaccinations compulsory for all its officers and asked them to take their first dose by 4th October. They are expected to receive both COVID-19 jabs by 23rd January.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll said, 'Our officers take the role of keeping Queenslanders safe very seriously and I am exceptionally proud of what all police have achieved,', 'That is why the QPS is mandating vaccinations for the entire workforce in all QPS workplaces within the next five months to protect employees, their families and the community from COVID-19.'