‘Vaccination voluntary’

NATIONAL Pandemic Controller David Manning says taking the Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination is voluntary and that is the position of the Government.
Manning, who is also police commissioner, told The National: “We respect the position of the businesses with regards to vaccination as a condition of employment.
“The National Control Centre is committed to work with businesses to ensure we reach an amicable position going forward.
“I expressed my view that this situation is both a legal and ethical issue and that any aggrieved party can seek legal redress.
“Given the unprecedented situation, businesses need to write this into a workplace health and safety policy and be guided by the ‘Niupela Pasin (New Normal)’ strategy.
“I expressed concern over the Mainland Holdings incident.
“If laws were broken, regardless of the reason, we will treat as such.
“Businesses wanted a firm commitment/decision by Government to support businesses with their hardline position of ‘no jab, no job’.
“Or alternatively, for Government to support the businesses that employees sign a waiver that should they choose not to get the vaccine and they get the Covid-19 and fall ill, and if they do not recover within the 10 allowable days of annual sick leave, then they face being terminated.”