After failing to take the COVID-19 vaccine in the given time period, more than 40 police officers in the Australian state of Victoria have been temporarily suspended from duty. As per a CNN report, 34 law enforcement officers and 9 public safety officers ‘failed to comply with the vaccination directive,’ that asked all emergency service workers, including police officers, to book vaccine slots by October 15. 

Those officers refusing the COVID vaccine have been referred to the Professional Standards Command for not following the instructions of the chief commissioner, which will result in serious actions and may also result in sacking. However, exceptions will be made if the police officer in question is able to submit a valid reason, for instance health issues. Others may face serious punishments, including termination. 

Australia has begun opening up slowly after being in lockdown for months. As it continues its journey on the path of economic recovery, getting the majority of the population vaccinated is key, especially the frontline workforce. Earlier, there have been strict mandates for teachers, hospital staff and caregivers also to get COVID-19 jabs. 

Not only the frontline workforce, but employees who may be required to head back to the worksite, say they feel uncomfortable being in the same space as unvaccinated colleagues, as per a recent survey by ELMO software. Given employees’ worry over unvaccinated colleagues, not only governments but private companies are also expected to take actions against employees who refuse to take COVID-19 jabs without any valid reason.