COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Although COVID-19 coronavirus is not widespread in North America at the moment, everyone should be proactive in order to keep home, workplaces and public spaces safe.

In order to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, everyone has a role to play. It takes more than governments and action from the health sector to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Each of us can help our country be prepared in the event of an emergency by understanding how coronavirus spreads and how to prevent illness.  Symptoms such as low-grade fever, mild cough, or some shortness of breath must be taken seriously.  If you are experiencing any of these, please take measures to stay home and seek medical screening.

As a summary Individuals/Employees should:

• Ensure social distancing by keeping away from others at least 2 metres.
• Practice proper Hygiene and thorough hand washing.  Refrain from touching your face before washing your hands.
• Make available hand sanitizers for family members, employees, visitors or guests.
• Disinfect and sanitize all public areas and equipment.
• Refrain from hugging or shaking hands upon greeting.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing and sneezing.
• Work from home where possible.
• Anyone who has travelled in the impacted areas internationally including the USA, should self isolate, seek medical screening to ensure that they are virus free before returning to work or participate in social activities/events.

Organizations should:

• Make available hand sanitizers for employees, visitors or guests.
• Disinfect and sanitize all public areas and equipment.
• Suspend large group gatherings, meetings, seminars, sports events.
• Suspend all business-related/leisure travel overseas until further notice from Health Canada.
• Communicate your Organization’s policy on COVID-19 and Sick benefits coverages.
• Anyone who has travelled in the impacted areas internationally including the USA, should self isolate, seek medical screening to ensure that they are virus free before returning to work.

Sick and Disability Benefits.

If your Company has a Sick Absence Policy, you may be eligible for paid/unpaid sick time. If you are covered by your organization’s Group Benefit Plan for Short Term Disability, you will be eligible for paid sick time. In Canada, Service Canada is waiving the the one week waiting period for EI Sickness Benefit claims, https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html. Contact information are:

• Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)
• Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742

Remember “prevention is better than cure.”  Let us do our very best to keep ourselves and everyone else safe.