Of all the frontline groups, the members of the police department have been the slowest to get vaccinated.
But, now cops are under added pressure because at the start of next month - those who haven't gotten at least one shot - will have to take a COVID test every two weeks.
The test will be free - but it's a major headache - and there is active pushback from many in the department. Today the commissioner says he's been meeting with them and trying to ease troubled minds:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"We do have a number of persons who do not wish to take the vaccine and while we continue to encourage the officers to do so because we understand the importance of the vaccination. It is going to take some time for some people, longer than others and people I think just want to be comforted that the vaccine is okay and it is going to be safe to take it and once they have come to that self-consciousness then they are going to take it. So, we just got to be patient and give them that opportunity to see if they are going to make up their minds and take the vaccine and stop listening to the anti-vaxers who are out there trying to persuade them not to take the vaccination."
Reporter
"Sir, they have until August 1st I believe to either take the vaccine or do the COVID test every two weeks. Any concerns about that - about the cost, perhaps?"
Chester Williams
"The minister has said the cost of the test every two weeks is going to be free and so it won't come with any cost to the officers and so if it is that they don't want to take the vaccine and the government have a policy then it is our duty to ensure that the policy of the government is enforced."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Sir, is there a concern, I know you have heard the voice message about some officers saying they want to generate a petition against what they feel is that they believe they are being forced to take the vaccine. I heard you have met with them or one of the leaders of this group?"
Chester Williams
"Yes, I met yesterday with members of the police association and I have discussed the matter with them. We have come to some agreement in terms of how we are going to proceed with this issue. My office issued an internal memo to police officers explaining the process because I don't want for there to be any misconceptions that there is the notion of forced vaccination because that is not the case and the rumors out there is that there is going to be forced vaccination when in fact there is nothing to suggest that there is forced vaccination."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Yes, it's not forced. Nobody is forced to take the vaccine, but it's like if you want to be on your job and you want to do your job right, you better take this vaccine otherwise it's going to be a problem. No employee wants to hear that."
Chester Williams
"But when I did not take the vaccine, you were very forceful at me. You condemned me. You said all kind of things about me. That was tantamount to forcing me to take the vaccine. So why all of a sudden now you have a change of heart? Man look ya."
