Deputy Heads, Heads of Agencies (including separate employers), and Heads of Human Resources have been asked to make arrangements to allow telework wherever possible.

Managers are expected to consider telework for all their employees, at all worksites, and should work with them to identify an approach that is as flexible as possible while ensuring continued critical government operations and services to Canadians.

If you are sick with COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not take sick leave, you will be granted “other leave with pay (699 code)”. You may be asked to sign an attestation declaring your situation.

If you are high risk or living with people who are at high risk to contract COVID-19 and you are unable to make work arrangements you will be granted “other leave with pay (699 code).” You may be asked to sign an attestation declaring your situation.

If you are unable to work due to child care needs and require “other leave with pay (699 code)”, you should not be asked to sign an attestation.

Employees that are required by public health officials to quarantine, if in good health and able to work, will be asked to discuss with their managers the option to telework. If that is not possible, the employees will be granted “other leave with pay (699 code)” as per their collective agreements.

We are aware of cases where the employer is not using “other leave with pay (699 code)” and is applying sick leave in cases of isolation as a result of COVID-19. This is not in keeping with the directive from the Treasury Board. If you are experiencing this in your workplace, please get in touch with us right away.

If you are sick but not with COVID-19, please follow standard leave provisions for sick leave.