An assisted living facility in Cranbrook says it is experiencing interruptions in its mail service due to a new policy that all visitors and contractors must be fully vaccinated to enter the facility.

Earlier this week, residents at Golden Life-owned facilities: Kootenay Street Village and Joseph Creek Village in Cranbrook were advised that they will no longer have mail delivery by Canada Post. Instead, residents are obliged to go to the post office to collect their mail.

鈥淎s per Provincial Health Orders, all contractors and visitors to long-term care and assisted living must be fully vaccinated,鈥� said Golden Life vice-president Celeste Mullin in a statement. 鈥淐anada Post has declined to deliver mail to various locations as they are unable to meet the Provincial Health Order. Golden Life is working with our local MP and Canada Post to find a solution that ensures residents of long-term care and assisted living continue receiving postal services.鈥�

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Kathryn Ford, whose father is a resident in Cranbrook, said the solution to have residents pick up the mail is unreasonable, in light of the fact that many don鈥檛 drive, or have mobility issues.

鈥淭he 鈥榮olution鈥� to that is they can fill out a form designating someone to pick up for them. But not all JCV residents have a local contact. And while those in independent living could figure this designation system out, others might not be able to or have the physical ability to do so.鈥�

Doris Wright, a resident at Kootenay Street Village, expressed similar frustration with the situation.

鈥淚 know in other [medical facilities] in town, they have been bundling mail and dropping it at the door for two years. Why can鈥檛 they do that here?鈥� she said.

Canada Post told Black Press that they have looked into the situation are working to resolve it. They added that they have offered an 鈥渁lternate temporary solution鈥� in the meantime.

鈥淲e continue to look for a permanent solution for mail delivery. We apologize to our customers and thank them for their understanding as we work to resolve this matter during these difficult times.鈥�

According to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers , union members must 鈥渁ttest鈥� their vaccination status between October 29 and November 12, 2021. After November 26, members who have not provided their status will be contacted and reminded that it is required to work. Members who refuse to comply will be deemed unwilling and placed on leave without pay.

Members who are fully vaccinated will continue to report to work as usual. Members who are partially vaccinated and intending to become fully vaccinated must be fully vaccinated by January 29, 2022.

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