Dischem Group have made Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for all Dischem Pharmacies employees following the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant in a letter to its employees on 6 December 2021.

Dischem Group stated that all employees who are not fully vaccinated by 01 February 2022 will be required to provide a negative Antigen Test every Monday before entering any Dischem facility, wear an N95 mask at all times and employees will be liable for all the costs of the procedures and failure to comply with the measures will result in disciplinary action taken against reluctant employees.

“With the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant, coupled with the rising levels of infection and the onset of the fourth wave, we welcome President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to consider the issue of mandatory vaccination and restricted access from his most recent address,” Dischem said.

“We urge everyone who has not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated now, either with the 1st Pfizer Vaccine and the 2nd one 42 days thereafter. Alternatively, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available, as a single jab. Individuals that still need to receive their second Pfizer shot are to finalise their vaccination process by 31 January 2022,” Dischem added.

Dischem’s decision has divided South Africans on social media with some praising the move whilst others have called for the boycotting of all Dischem facilities/outlets.

“Dear South Africans, please don’t support dischem, take them out of business. Thank you in advance”, ” I support @Dischem this is leadership”, “what’s laughable is that those applauding Dischem and the idea of mandatory vaccination have no idea what kind of precedence this whole situation sets for the future”, read some of the tweets.