OTTAWA – COVID-19 restrictions are easing at federal workplaces in the National Capital Region, potentially paving the way for more employees to return to the office during the pandemic.
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier said Health Canada’s new “occupational health guidelines” will allow more public servants to “work together in greater numbers in federal workplaces.”
The guidelines outline the steps for gradually increasing building capacity, while maintaining the flexibility of adjustment if COVID-19 transmission rates increase.
“This is good news as it will inform departmental planning on where and how federal officials can work based on their operational contexts, the nature of their work and the direction of public health authorities,” Fortier said in a statement. communicated.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach.”
The COVID-19 guidelines from Health Canada’s Public Service Occupational Health Program follow the full implementation of a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for the core public administration, including the RCMP.
“Building occupancy can be gradually increased, potentially to full occupancy, depending on operational requirements, appropriate use of preventive workplace practices, building layout and public health considerations. local, while retaining the flexibility to adjust if the transmission rate increases, “Health Canada guidelines indicate.
“As building occupancy increases, departments and agencies need to maximize physical distance to interior spaces when the setting or operations permit (for example, space workstations at least 2 meters apart. on the other, when operationally possible). “
“Preventive Workplace Practices” include:
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All employees working on the site will either be fully vaccinated or if they have an exemption be tested regularly
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Physical distancing will be maximized in interior spaces
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Departments for monitoring employee and visitor attendance
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Employees should wear a mask indoors when physical distance cannot be maintained, as well as when they are with visitors
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In-person meetings can be arranged as long as safety guidelines are followed, including distancing and limiting the number of participants and the length of a meeting
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High traffic work areas and frequently touched surfaces (elevator buttons, door handles, plumbing fixtures) are cleaned and disinfected in accordance with department protocols
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Employees who stay home when sick
As of Wednesday, 95 percent of federal employees were fully immunized, while 98 percent of employees had received at least one injection. All officials were required to certify their immunization status by October 29, while officials who refuse to disclose their immunization status or who are not fully immunized will be placed on administrative leave from Monday, November 15.
“As has been the case since the start of the pandemic, employees can rest assured that all measures continue to be taken to ensure their health and safety at work,” said Fortier.
The new occupational health directive to ease restrictions in federal workplaces comes as Ottawa sees an increase in COVID-19 cases. Ottawa Public Health reported 45 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, while the seven-day average rose to 37.4 cases. Before Halloween, the seven-day average was 22 cases.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches was asked if she was worried about employees returning to the office as COVID-19 cases escalate.
“I think every employer will look at what safety measures they need to prevent the transmission of COVID in the workplace,” Etches said. “Vaccination is very good protection, so we’ve seen a lot of employers requiring vaccinations so that people are in the workplace. Again, adding the other things that make a difference – so the wearing of masks, the possibility of being left behind, the ventilation – these all help to ensure that people can return to work in a safer manner. “
There is no word on a possible date for the return to work of more employees, but Fortier says departments and agencies will continue to “build flexibility” into their work models in the future. wherever possible.
“I look forward to continuing leadership among departments and agencies as they build flexibility into their work models where possible and makes sense. We will also continue to monitor public health measures to ensure that the health and safety of employees is a priority, “said Fortier.
“And, as the country’s largest employer, the Government of Canada will continue to engage with our partners, stakeholders and the communities we serve to build a post-pandemic future that is national in scope and diverse and agile in character. “
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