Infectious diseases: rights and best practices

Note: The situation regarding COVID-19 is changing rapidly. Please ensure you read the most up to date notices on www.acfo-acaf.com and understand that older information may become outdated quickly.

Both NAV Canada and Health Canada’s Public Service Occupational Health Program are working with federal departments and agencies to provide occupational health advice for employees regarding the coronavirus, and we encourage you to stay apprised of these updates as they are available. For more information, you can go to www.Canada.ca/coronavirus and https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact an ACFO-ACAF Labour Relations Advisor at labourrelations@acfo-acaf.com.

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With the spread of the coronavirus in the news and as we are currently in the middle of flu season, ACFO-ACAF wanted to take the opportunity to remind our members of their rights and best practices regarding the spread of infectious diseases.

Most importantly, we want to remind you that you may have the right to accommodated work, such as telework, if you or a family member is infected or at a greater risk of infection (i.e. is elderly, pregnant, immunocompromised or an infant).

If you believe you are in need of accommodation, do not hesitate to contact an ACFO-ACAF Labour Relations Advisor (labourrelations@acfo-acaf.com). Our Labour Relations Advisors can advise you of your rights and on how to proceed when addressing the issue with your supervisor.

If you or a member of your household have a suspected or confirmed infection, we encourage you to advise your supervisor immediately.

ACFO-ACAF also encourages our members to reduce their risk of infection by avoiding close contact with those suffering from acute respiratory infections and maintaining appropriate hygiene practices, including:

• regular handwashing with soap and water;
• avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
• staying home while sick and only returning to work once symptoms have subsided;
• covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; and
• cleaning and disinfect objects and surfaces.