With only hours until Friday’s deadline, Quebec’s decided to give thousands of health-care workers more time to roll up their sleeves.

”I have the responsibility to protect the health-care network of Quebecers,” says Health Minister Christian Dube.

”The risk right now is too high, and it would be irresponsible to roll the dice with the health of Quebecers.”

Dube says 96% of health workers have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine, but that with 21,900 still not adequately immunized, he adds the health system would not be able to lose so much staff.

They now have until November 15 to get their shots or face suspension without pay.

Starting Monday, all unvaccinated public sector health-care workers will be tested at least three-times-a-week.