Dominica: Astaphans order unvaccinated employees to get COVID test done every 2 weeks or face termination

Roseau, Dominica: Astaphans famous supermarket and departmental store in Roseau, Dominica, has released COVID-19 guidelines for unvaccinated staff members on Monday.The company stated that all unvaccinated staff members must undergo mandatory testing every two weeks for unvaccinated staff at the expense of the employee."We remind you that should this test not be done within three days of the company's request, the company will conclude that you have voluntarily terminated your employment," the notice added. Full statement of J. AstaphansIn light of the pandemic and the company's ongoing effort to ensure the safety of all, we make reference to Section 8 - "Reservation of right" in our pandemic/epidemic policy dated September 3, 2021. This clause states, "Management reserves the right to request any employee, at any time, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, to submit to a COVID test as ameans of ensuring the health and safety of the workforce and the general public."Given the above and recent government publications, please be advised of the amendments to Section 4 - "Mandatory Testing" Unvaccinated staff are required to submit a COVID-19 negative test result once every two weeks, effective April 4, 2022. Be advised that the testingtime will be on the employee's own time i.e., no paid time off. Testing costs will be covered by staff. We remind you that the test result must be submitted prior to an employee returning to work.

• Employees who are fully vaccinated (14 days after 2nd dose) are to get tested once a month until further advised by management of any changes to the testing schedules.
• Staff members who do not comply with the mandatory testing schedules will not be allowed to report to work until such time that they submit a negative antigen/PC test. 
• We remind you that should this test not be done within 3 days of the company's request; the company will conclude that you have voluntarily terminated your employment.
• Staff are to await the results of their COVID test and submit a negative antigen/PC test prior to reporting/returning to work. You are not to report to work if you do not have your test results back.
• Test results are to be sent via WhatsApp to HR and your respective supervisors/managers. We encourage all to know your status and practice all the health protocols. Anyone found in breach of the above or any other company policies will face disciplinary actions.