Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Coronavirus Response and Preparedness

With the continued media reports on the coronavirus (COVID-19) we want our members to know how to deal with concerns about workplace safety related to infection control.

The World Health Organization (WHO), Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other government, national, and international agencies are actively engaged in monitoring the spread of the virus and providing updates and recommendations for individuals and organizations.

At this time, health officials in Canada state that the risk of contracting the virus remains low. However, we must all assume a level of responsibility to keep informed and up-to-date on how to work safely to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19.

There are some simple immediate actions you can take. These actions also serve as sensible precautions to follow every flu season, not only in response to an issue like COVID-19.

Hand hygiene: Frequently wash your hands with soap and hot water, (minimum of 20 seconds recommended); also use hand sanitizer frequently.
Coughing/sneezing: If you need to cough or sneeze, please do so into your elbow.
Runny nose: Avoid passing on germs by immediately disposing of your tissues yourself and not resting them on any surfaces. Those with extreme runny noses should stay home.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid shaking hands, or, if not possible, wash your hands immediately afterwards.
Travelling: make sure you have the latest information on areas where COVID-19 is spreading and comply with instructions from the authorities of the area you are travelling with and to.

If you are feeling sick, especially if you are experiencing coughing or are feeling feverish, please check advice from recognized agencies and consult your workplace policy before deciding to come to work.

Your employer should proactively alert and educate employees about the coronavirus symptoms, such as fever, coughing, breathing difficulties, and pneumonia, and encourage employees to consult with healthcare professionals if they experience such symptoms.

While we do not want to create unnecessary concern, it is very important that we responsibly do what we can to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

If you have concerns about your safety or you believe your employer is not following the most up-to-date guidance, you can access the following resources.

Your employer can ask you to stay home if you have high fever, a dry cough, difficulty breathing, and have recently travelled to an “impacted area” or have been exposed to someone with the virus, because that is the current advice from public health authorities. When that changes, what your employer may require will also change.

If you have questions about how your employer is responding, please contact your union representative.

CLAC will continue to follow the recommendations of health authorities as the situation develops.

Coronavirus Response and Preparedness

You might be interested in