Tag: COVID-19
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OPSEU Statement – ‘Essential Services’
Today, the Ford government announced the province will be stepping up the state of emergency to include the operation of “essential services” only, effective 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020. OPSEU is awaiting word of what businesses and employers are covered by the term. While it’s tempting to rely on the traditional definition of “essential…
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OPSEU President Thomas confers with BPS health care chairs
President Warren (Smokey) Thomas reported that while not all recommendations are being followed, the Ford government has been closely listening to OPSEU on the best ways to curb the spread of COVID-19. Thomas held a conference call Sunday with the health chairs of OPSEU’s broader public sector (BPS), along with a number of Executive Board…
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Frontline worker rights during COVID-19 Pandemic
OPSEU frontline workers are risking their lives every day to protect the lives of Ontarians. During this crisis, it’s important for all frontline workers to understand how to best protect yourself from COVID-19 and to be aware of the guidelines that your employer should be following. Please consult the following articles to find out more…
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CMOH Directive #3 for Long-Term Care Homes
Please find attached a Directive from the Chief Medical Officer of Health to Long-Term Care Homes. The ministry would also like to remind all organizations in the health system, per the attached memo from March 19th that: All employees who have travelled outside of Canada should self-isolate for a period of 14 days starting from their…
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Rationale for PPE Use in Healthcare
When COVID-19 started, Ontario led by adopting the precautionary principle and mandating N95 masks for healthcare workers providing care to patients with potential or actual diagnosis of COVID-19. Unfortunately, that didn’t last. On March 10, 2020, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health asserted power pursuant to Section 77.7 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act…
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OPSEU COVID-19 Pandemic Prep Checklist for Healthcare
Employer Obligations Consult the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) on all measures, procedures and training and PPE supply with respect to COVID-19. JHSC members work in tandem with their union reps. Communicate measures and procedures to workers and provide all Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) and system guidance to the JHSC and make…
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OPSEU COVID-19 Pandemic Healthcare Worker Checklist
Worker Actions Comply with existing workplace infection control policies and procedures. Stay up to date. Read all information (and ask for) information in the workplace about Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) and system notifications about guidance to workplaces regarding COVID-19. Stay in contact with your union rep. If you are a worker member of…
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OPSEU calls for a meeting to deal with the threat COVID-19 poses to Corrections
TORONTO – OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas wants an immediate meeting with provincial government officials and the Chief Medical Officer of Health to address the growing crisis that COVID-19 poses to corrections workers and inmates. The pandemic is threatening provincial correctional facilities, and Thomas says it is time for Corrections Ministry officials to act.…
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OPSEU president offers potential solution to health care capacity crunch
With a lack of hospital capacity and long-term beds at a crisis point due to pre-existing pressures amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is urging the Ford government to look for creative ways to combat the spread of the coronavirus. “We need an immediate solution to help those who do and who…
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OPSEU’s Thomas to Ford: The time for clear, decisive and strong action on this pandemic is now
March 20, 2020 TORONTO – OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is calling on Premier Doug Ford to act immediately and decisively to ensure frontline health care and emergency workers have the proper protective gear to shield them from COVID-19. “Our frontline workers, including our emergency workers and health care workers, must have the proper Personal…
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A song and a smile; OPSEU member writes song and produces video to lift spirits amid COVID-19
OPSEU Peer Support Leader Miranda Guitard spends most of her days supporting colleagues, clients, and the general public with goal setting and wellness planning at Canadian Mental Health Oxford. She is also a talented musician. And now, like many Canadians, she finds herself at home on a 14-day self-isolation period amid the COVID-19 pandemic feeling…
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Managing Health Worker Illness and Return to Work COVID-19
Ministry of Health Memorandum Ontarians rely on our health system everyday to stay healthy and sustain life – this is true now more then ever. As we continue to implement enhanced public health measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario, it is vital that health services, and the workers who contribute to these…
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Navigating your rights during the COVID-19 crisis
Frequently Asked Questions How long will OPSEU’s buildings including membership centres be closed? OPSEU began closing its buildings beginning end of business Wednesday March 11, 2020 and set an example on social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of right now, all OPSEU offices are closed until further notice. OPSEU will assess the…
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LCBO to limit number of customers in stores
The LCBO has announced new measures to protect the safety of workers in LCBO stores, including a limit of no more than 50 shoppers inside the store at any one time. The Toronto Sun quotes OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas as saying: “the new measures came down Wednesday morning in response to concerns about the…
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Together we will prevail
Dear friends – We know you’re worried. We know your anxiety is soaring. We know you are watching closely over family, friends and neighbours. But let me reassure you of one very important fact: OPSEU is here for its members, its staff, and its communities – we are a family. And as a family we…
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OPSEU Annual Convention on Hold Due to State of Emergency
Today, Premier Doug Ford declared a State of Emergency in Ontario, prohibiting gatherings of over 50 people. These are unprecedented times and we commend the Premier and his government for taking this important measure in the hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19. It is a necessary action to protect the people of Ontario and…
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Social distancing must be a priority for all sectors in Ontario: OPSEU’s Thomas
March 16, 2020 TORONTO – OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says governments and business should immediately take measures aimed at ensuring social distancing is job one in curbing the spread of COVID-19. Thomas praised some of the measures that Premier Doug Ford announced Monday, but says more must be done now before we are past…
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Self-Isolation Instructions for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
In order to decrease transmission of COVID-19 in Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health is now recommending that all residents of Ottawa practise social distancing. Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. This will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Read the rest…
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Premier Ford agrees with us – and good on him: Thomas
TORONTO – OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is commending Premier Doug Ford for his words and actions on Friday to fight COVID-19. “I have in the past and unless there is a shift in direction, likely will have future differences with this government on most issues,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “But I always…