Bulletin
Rising COVID 19 cases in the Province
November 20, 2020
To: All MoveUP Utilities members
In the last couple of weeks all of us have been watching the number of cases of COVID-19 rise, especially in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health Districts (the lower mainland). We are even starting to see cases crop up at some work locations.
For those of you who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have family members who have contracted this disease, know that the staff and officers at MoveUP are thinking of you and your loved ones. We hope everyone will get well soon and not have any lasting effects from this virus.
For the rest of us who have not yet been impacted by this disease, now is the time where we should triple our efforts to stay safe. Our diligence now won’t just keep ourselves safe but also our family members, friends, and coworkers.
On a daily basis:
- Review and follow the latest orders of the Provincial Health Officer.
- As of now masks are mandatory in all common areas of your work site. We recommend that each staff member wear a mask as much as is practical when at work sites. Making it part of our daily routines will ensure no one forgets when we get to common areas and interacting with customers, even when we are behind plexiglass. If you do not have a mask, please see your manager.
- Be vigilant about social distancing protocols at work and in public spaces.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds frequently.
- Keep your workstation clean and make sure that either you sanitize it every day, or if available from your employer, have a cleaning crew sanitize it for you.
- Continuously and diligently monitor your health for fever, coughing, sneezing, a sore throat or difficulty breathing.
- Be diligent about the daily health screening that is required for all employees.
- Limit your time out in public.
- Stop all in-person social gatherings with people that don’t live in your household.
At work:
- If you are in a job that is set up to work from home, we encourage you to do so, and discuss this with your manager as soon as possible.
- We also know that, for some, working from home is not possible. This may be due to the work you do, or it may be because your home environment is not conducive for work, or perhaps it isn’t a safe environment for you to work at home. If this is your situation, please take care of yourself. That’s most important. Make sure you follow all worksite safety protocols, including PPE where required, and make sure you follow all the health and safety suggestions listed about in “On a daily basis”. If you are unsafe at home, reach out for help.
If you start to feel COVID related symptoms (listed above in “On a daily basis”):
- Do not come to work if you are sick.
- Contact your doctor or BC HealthLink at 8-1-1 immediately to determine your next steps and if you should be tested.
No question, this is a time of significant stress and worry for many of us. If you are feeling psychologically or emotionally unwell, please contact your doctor right away and make sure you are taking care of yourself. Remember, many workplaces also have access to Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP). If available to you, we suggest you reach out to your EFAP if you are having difficulties during this time. There are also additional mental health resources here .
Please be vigilant about ensuring the health and safety of you and your co-workers. If you are a member of an OH&S Committee it is imperative that you review your work location’s Covid-19 Safety Plan for any gaps in exposure prevention and discuss it with your OH&S Committee. If you have any OH&S related questions, please reach out to Niki Schnurr at nschnurr@moveuptogether.ca.
If you are looking for more information about COVID-19, you can visit MoveUP’s COVID-19 Resource page where we have compiled significant resource links and information.
Thank you,
Rysa Kronebusch, MoveUP Health and Safety Committee Chair
Niki Schnurr, MoveUP WCB Appeals and OH&S Representative