December 2023 Newsletter | IBEW Local 353

News about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to make headlines and has now been categorized as a global pandemic. Here at TEIBAS we want to keep you and your family safe, and informed. We’ve put together some information for COVID-19 related absences, and what you should do if you become ill or quarantined.

IF YOU ARE QUARANTINED OR ILL DUE TO COVID-19

If you are required to be under quarantine (as directed by a medical doctor or public health official) or ill due to COVID-19, please notify both your employer and the IBEW Local 353 Union Hall at 416-510-3530. The staff at the Union Hall will able to provide you with the specific COVID-19 form that will need to be completed to apply for short term disability benefits.

Canada Life will consider paying STD benefits from the start of the quarantine period/illness. This way you don’t suffer financial hardship while you’re staying home to help fight the outbreak.

Normal eligibility requirements are still in effect for the short-term disability program. If you do not qualify under the short-term disability program, you can still apply for Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits. The Federal Government has waived the one week waiting period for COVID-19 related EI Sickness Benefit claims. Please visit their website at: www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness to apply.

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

Individuals that may be infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms or be aware that they have symptoms of COVID-19 because the symptoms are very similar to a cold or flu. Symptoms may take from 2 to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known infectious period for this disease.

Most people develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those with other medical complications, may develop more severe symptoms which can be fatal.

PROTECT YOURSELF

There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against COVID-19. It is strongly recommended that all individuals take the following precautions to help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:

• stay home if you are sick,
• cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs when coughing or sneezing,
• dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards,
• frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands,
• avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick.

TRAVEL RELATED INQUIRIES

For all inquiries related to out-of-country medical emergency, and travel assistance, or if you become ill while travelling, please contact Global Excel at 1-866-870-1898.

Travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada can impact travel insurance coverage. Please visit https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories to confirm if your intended travel destination is impacted by any travel advisory, prior to booking or departing on your trip.

STAY INFORMED

For the latest information on COVID-19, please visit the following Government of Canada websites: