The Minister of Labor, Jean Boulet, says he is convinced of the good faith of workers who say they have COVID-19 and asks employers to be flexible and to agree to accommodations during this period when access to tests screening is still difficult.
The minister granted an interview to The Canadian Press on Thursday, after Public Health announced on Tuesday that the isolation period was reduced from 10 to 5 days, in the event of COVID-19, under certain conditions – no fever for 24 hours, symptom reduction and double vaccination.
Public health has also reserved access to screening centers for certain priority clienteles, because they are overwhelmed – which has had the effect of complicating access to screening for “other” workers. “I am convinced of the workers ‘good faith and the employers’ capacity to accommodate. There is no doubt about that. And I am really calling on all workplaces to take charge of managing this risk, ”Minister Boulet said.
In addition, the Committee on Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST) will soon add more information to its website in this context. the COVID-19 Workplace Health Standards Guide explain how to clarify the situation before a return to work, using a questionnaire that will set out the questions that an employer can ask a worker or with the help of a self-declaration by the workers, said the minister .
In its press release, the CNESST recalls that, as soon as symptoms appear, such as fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, a worker must immediately go into isolation for at least five days. . At the end of these five days, this person can return to work if they are adequately vaccinated, if they have not had a fever in the past 24 hours and if their symptoms have improved. If these conditions are not met, this person will have to undergo a period of isolation of ten days.
“In all cases, the employer must take the necessary measures to protect the health and ensure the safety and physical well-being of the worker. The CNESST also reiterates that teleworking should be privileged when possible. Likewise, the other instructions, such as distancing, disinfection and wearing a mask, remain in effect.
Minister Boulet also recalled that the federal government must distribute around 30 million rapid tests in Quebec by the end of January, which should simplify the process. “In the meantime, there is an exceptional context which requires an accommodation approach on the part of employers”, argues the Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Solidarity.
With Le Devoir