Sleeves up, masks on - CAF members answer the call in the fight against COVID-19

July 13, 2021 - Defence Stories

Whether it was providing support in long-term care facilities or remote and northern communities, assisting in overwhelmed civilian hospitals, or helping with the national COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have worked tirelessly with federal, provincial, and territorial partners to support the overall Government of Canada’s COVID-19 response. CAF members should be extremely proud of the many meaningful ways they have contributed to protecting Canadians.

CAF personnel have also helped fight COVID-19 by rolling up their sleeves to get a COVID-19 vaccine and by practicing PHMs. These efforts have paid off, as CAF COVID-19 infection rates have been lower than those of the general population. Furthermore, the CAF has a very high vaccine uptake rate.  As of July 8, 2021, over 85% of eligible CAF members have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and there are only 2 active COVID-19 cases reported among CAF members. It is clear that the various measures taken by the CAF have made a major difference in the fight against COVID-19 and have helped keep our force safe and healthy.

Likewise, public service Defence Team (DT) members have also played an important role in helping to keep their fellow Canadians and DT members safe and healthy throughout the pandemic. Whether working on COVID-19 response issues, supporting the vaccination roll-out,  practicing public health measures (PHMs), maintaining a work from home posture, or by choosing to get a COVID-19 vaccine – their many contributions have not gone unnoticed and are very much appreciated. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do.

While we all must continue to stay vigilant in the fight against COVID-19, especially as new variants of concern emerge, the CAF’s disciplined adherence to PHMs and high vaccine uptake are reasons to look forward to re-opening DND/CAF facilities with optimism knowing that all DT members are protected by these measures. Thank you for choosing to receive your COVID-19 vaccine, for your ongoing adherence to PHMs, and for your continued support to Canadians throughout the pandemic.