New Zealand Police orders staff to be fully vaccinated by March

The New Zealand Police on Tuesday announced a new policy requiring all its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by March. It covers all employees, contractors, volunteers, suppliers, new recruits, and visitors who want to work or access Police sites, according to the announcement. They need to get their first dose by February 11 and be fully vaccinated by March 11. Deputy Police Commissioner Leadership and Capability Tania Kura stressed the importance of getting vaccinated, stating that it is the "best defence against COVID-19 and its variations."

"Our frontline staff work in close proximity with Police employees and this policy will provide safety for our employees while reinforcing the safety of our frontline staff and of our communities," Kura said in a statement.

The mandate came amid the agency's record revealing that 96% of its staff have already received their first vaccine dose, while 94% are already fully immunised against COVID-19. Ahead of the February 11 deadline, Kura said the agency will communicate with employees affected and those who have yet to take the jabs.

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Meanwhile, excluded from the vaccine mandate are members of the public who will go to police stations or sites to access police services, as well as people are brought to a station for services in relation to enforcement and operational activities, such as victims and witnesses.

"People held in Police custody suites are also not required to be vaccinated," the announcement said.

Prior to the announcement, the policy was formulated after a consultation period with staff back in December and feedback from the Police Association and the Police Managers' Guild.

Previously, sworn members, recruits, and authorised officers of the New Zealand Police were mandated back in November under the Police Vaccination Order to get their first dose by January 17 and be fully vaccinated by March 1.