What employers need to know about Coronavirus

Like you, I’m watching for updates on the Coronavirus. Here’s what we know…

The National Institute of Scientific Research has said that despite two positive cases in Toronto, the risk in Canada is considered LOW. The only people that can be tested for the virus include:

• People who have been in Wuhan, China in the last two weeks;
• People who have an acute respiratory illness or pneumonia.

To be proactive and encourage a healthy work environment, here are 6 best practices for employers to share with team members:

1. Please don’t come to the office if you have flu/respiratory symptoms. Pre-plan to work from home if you can, or plan to sleep to recover fast.
2. Document your work. That way if you’re sick, someone can easily jump in to progress your projects / work.
3. Disinfect daily - your hands, your office, your electronics and your personal items (i.e. cell phone).
4. Wash all dishes in the office in the dishwasher on full-wash.
5. Drink water continually to keep your throat moist – moisture reduces the chance of a germs getting in.
6. WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY AND A LOT, with hot water and soap. (It takes at least 15 seconds to wash your hands properly. Some suggest, washing as long as it takes to sing the alphabet).

Now, you might also be wondering what you should do as an employer if someone calls in sick. The key here is not to act on assumption - chances are the employee has a common cold. If you have reason to be concerned, ask for more information in an appropriate way. Check on their recent travel and symptoms, but don’t push because you don’t want to infringe on their human rights. Questions you may ask include: “Do you have symptoms that would be of concern to our workplace? Have you travelled outside of Canada in the last two weeks?”

If you have reason to believe there could be a more serious public health concern, ask the employee to seek medical input.

That’s the most we can do for now - stay healthy and stay informed!