Dischem Covid Vaccine

The Quebec premier explained that these 10 percent of unvaccinated adults represent 50 percent of people in intensive care, calling it a “shocking” situation. Photo: Pexels

Dis-Chem raises eyebrows with COVID vaccine demands for staff

Dis-Chem has caused a stir after a letter seemingly enforcing pro-vaccine demands for employees amid rising Covid-19 infections.

Dischem Covid Vaccine

The Quebec premier explained that these 10 percent of unvaccinated adults represent 50 percent of people in intensive care, calling it a “shocking” situation. Photo: Pexels

Dis-Chem has been trending on social media after what seems to be an internal letter imposing Covid-19 vaccine policies on employees surfaced online.

The retail giant is reportedly clamping down on staff members as Covid-19 infections in South Africa rise.

Dis-Chem explains that the controversial move is aimed at focusing on the ‘wellbeing of all’ in the internal letter. This is largely due to the number of staff members interacting with the public.

“We are firstly, and foremost, an organization that operates in the Healthcare sector, and it is critical that we embody care, a focus on the wellbeing of all, and care for life.”

An extract from the letter
Dischem Covid Vaccine
Dischem has reportedly imposed Covid vaccine regulations on employees. Photo: Pexels

Dis-Chem’s Covid-19 vaccine demands

The alleged demands on employees include the following: 

  • “Provide a negative Antigen test, every Monday.” Entry into any Dis-Chem facility is reliant on this test.
  • “Wear an N95 mask at all times” 
  • Employees will cover the cost of these measures

Staff members will be facing the possibility of ‘disciplinary action’ for failing to adhere to these demands. A bold move on Dis-Chem’s part considering the social upheaval any mention of the Covid-19 vaccination receives.

Dis-Chem staff have until February to get vaccinated following which the above-mentioned measures come into play.

The Covid-19 vaccines have enjoyed mixed support after becoming publicly available. Similarly, this move has provoked divided opinions. Some voiced support for the move while others went as far as revoking support for the retail chain entirely. 

A fierce debate has been ignited in reaction to the letter which has since gone viral. For instance, the matter is responsible for Dis-Chem trending on social media platform, Twitter.

Other companies opt-in for Covid-19 vaccine policies

However, the Daily Maverick reports that numerous businesses are imposing similar policies on staff.

The list includes the likes of MTN, Discovery, Standard Bank, Sanlam, Old Mutual, Mediclinic, Life Healthcare and Curro. Many large companies seem to be treating the vaccine as a credible method to protect its workforce.

With a recent study highlighting that people experiencing cold-like symptoms are testing positive for the virus this move is hardly surprising.

Festive season social gatherings, amid reduced testing, is a cause for concern amongst medical experts.

In conclusion, many aren’t convinced enforcing such strict measures on employees is the ideal way forward in the fight against the pandemic. 

Dis-Chem has yet to respond to requests for comment on this matter. However, this article will be updated should this change.

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