Important COVID-19 Update, FAQ and Resources
SEIU Healthcare continues to monitor the changing situation involving the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has stated that the risk of a mass outbreak remains low in Canada, the Union is taking a number of preventive measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
In examining the recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Health Ontario, as well as the Ministry of Health, we have implemented the following preventive measures:
- All Union events are cancelled until further notice. This includes our upcoming stewards trainings, all General Membership Meetings, and any non-essential meetings.
- Labour Management Meetings, Grievance Meetings, and Bargaining Meetings will be conducted by tele-conference or video conferencing wherever possible.
- Arbitration hearings will continue at this time, but will be reassessed as new information arises. Where possible, we may conduct these hearings by tele-conference or video conference.
- To minimize the strain on the public health system, and to limit potential exposure and spread of COVID-19, we are limiting non-essential site visits and in-person meetings. Some Employers have already imposed restrictions on non-essential personnel accessing their facilities and SEIU Healthcare respects these requests as a preventive health measure.
To help you through this situation, we have created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. To access our FAQ, please click here.
In addition, today we issued a joint statement with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the CanadianFederation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), UNIFOR, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). Click here to read it.
We have also listed additional resources below.
We remain committed to servicing you. Our staff will remain available to members to conduct business and to support you during this time.
We also want to remind you that if you feel that your work has become unsafe or that your rights have been violated, immediately contact your union representative, steward or Member Resource Centre (1-877-672-7348).
Once again, thank you for your patience, and for your incredible dedication to your patients, clients and residents. We will keep you updated in the days and weeks ahead.
Additional Resources
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care – COVID-19 Case Definitions
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/2019_case_definition.pdf
This document provides case definitions for surveillance purposes (i.e. Person Under Investigation, Probable Case, Presumptive Confirmed Case, Confirmed Case, etc.)
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care – COVID-19 Info Sheet
https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-english-2020-02-18.pdf
Telehealth Ontario
1-866-797-0000
Public Health Unit Locator
https://www.phdapps.health.gov.on.ca/PHULocator/
Ministry of Health – Risk Levels for Exposure and Instructions on Self-Isolation
This chart can be used to help assess your potential exposure to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and provide direction on Self-Monitoring and Self-Isolation.
Public Health Ontario – How to Self Monitor
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-self-monitor.pdf?la=en
Public Health Ontario – How to Self-Isolate
Public Health Ontario – COVID-19 Updates and Resources
This website has links to many resources, as well as guidance on best practices. Resources are available in multiple languages.
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care – Guidance for the Health Sector
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/2019_guidance.aspx
This website has links to Guidance Documents for health sectors, including Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting, Acute Care, Home and Community Care Providers, Paramedic Services and Long-Term Care.
Government of Canada – COVID-19 Travel Advice
This link provides up to date information on travel advice, including identification of Impacted Areas and associated levels of risk.
Government of Canada – Advice for Health Professionals
Government of Canada – COVID-19 Outbreak Updates
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Government of Ontario – Updates on COVID-19
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus#section-8
This link provides information on how the MOHLTC is preparing for COVID-19 and provides updates twice daily on the status of cases in Ontario.
Government of Ontario Online Self Assessment Tool
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment
Ontario Medical Association – Find Your Nearest COVID-19 Assessment Site
https://www.virusfacts.ca/questions#covid-19-assessment-centres
Donning and Doffing Cards
English – https://seiuhealthcare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/donning-and-doffing-card-english.pdf
French – https://seiuhealthcare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/donning-and-doffing-card-french.pdf
Tagalog – https://seiuhealthcare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/donning-and-doffing-card-tagalog.pdf
These printable cards show the proper ways to put on and take off personal protective equipment.