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Urbandale School District employees learned on Tuesday what the procedures would be for complying with President Joe Biden’s ETS requiring a vaccine policy.

The district said it “must be prepared” for compliance in early January and testing in February. Employers will be fined for any non-compliance — up to $13,653 for each serious violation, or up to $136,532 for each willful or repeated violation,” the email states.

“Thus, in compliance with the OSHA ETS, all UCSD employees including substitutes and coaches are required to be fully vaccinated as a term and condition of employment,” the email said.

Employees who are “fully vaccinated” must log in and complete the vaccination status form by Friday, Jan. 7. They must submit proof of vaccination by Friday, Jan. 7 as well.

Fully vaccinated means two weeks after completing primary vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine, with, if applicable, at least the minimum recommended interval between doses.

Partially vaccinated employees must submit proof of partial vaccination and fill out the vaccination status form by Friday, Jan. 7 as well. Once they receive their second dose of a two-dose vaccine, they will need to submit proof of that dose and be fully vaccinated by Feb. 9.

Unvaccinated employees must submit the same form and submit proof of vaccination when they receive their final dose.

Employees who request an exemption will receive the same form and must complete the vaccination status form by Friday, Jan. 7. They are to contact Kate Johnson to request a vaccination exemption form and must submit the form by Jan. 24. They will be notified on whether or not the exemption is approved by Jan. 28.

If Urbandale denies any religious exemption requests, the school district would be in violation of state law.

Beginning Feb. 9, employees approved for exemptions must provide proof of a negative test on a weekly basis and wear a district-approved face covering. More information on testing and face-covering requirements will be provided later.

Author: Jacob Hall

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