The announcement was made via a press release late Thursday.

It follows a previous announcement that all staff had to be fully vaccinated by July 31 or they would not be scheduled for work “until further notice,” after two staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

“Our staff members have always been devoted to our company and customers, and we too are devoted to them. Thankfully over 90% (125 persons) of One Mart’s staff is already fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated. Approximately 10% (15 persons) remain unvaccinated for various reasons,” Vanterpool remarked.

He continued: “I strongly believe that COVID-19 vaccines are the only option to give our business, our people, and our community a fighting chance at defeating this deadly pandemic. However, we fully intend to treat all staff with respect and dignity. We respect their positions, but we still strongly encourage them to be vaccinated unless they have extenuating medical or religious reasons.”

Staff To Be Re-assigned

Vanterpool further informed that several weeks ago, One Mart adopted a policy of not scheduling unvaccinated employees to work physically at any of the company’s properties in the interest of customers, employees, and the business.

“However, we have no plans to release those workers on account of non-vaccination at this time. Instead, our executive team is exploring options for those persons to be assigned other duties or to work remotely within the company. We will pivot our operations slightly and deploy available technology to allow them to work remotely.”

Several companies are reportedly forcing employees to be vaccinated or risk joining the unemployed pool in the British Virgin Islands.