Speculation that those who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 will not be allowed to receive care at the Sicamous Community Health Centre is false, according to the District of Sicamous.
The district issued a notice on Aug. 27 which reaffirmed the health centre’s stance on serving unvaccinated patients. The stance is the same as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia’s (CPSBC), the notice said.
The college states unvaccinated patients must be given the same access to care as vaccinated patients.
“It would be indefensible from an ethical point of view for a registrant to require documented proof that a patient has been vaccinated as a prerequisite for attending their office,” said CPSBC in Volume 9 of its College Connector publication.
“However, it is reasonable for a registrant to request that patients report their vaccine status to them. Once aware of a patient’s vaccine status, registrants should manage appointment times in a way that does not compromise the health of other patients or their medical office staff.”
The Sicamous Community Health Centre does require patients over the age of 12, without an exemption, to wear a mask as mandated by public health orders.
A representative from the health centre was unable to provide further comment on the source of the speculation and rumours.
Read more: Salmon Arm pharmacist reports being asked about ivermectin for COVID-19
Read more: COVID-19 outbreak declared at Hillside Village in Salmon Arm
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