Workers protection for those required to take unpaid leave during self-isolation or quarantine periods

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford has directed the Ontario government to draft legislation that will protect workers who are required to take unpaid leave during self-isolation or quarantine periods.

This legislation would introduce a number of measures including a direction to employers to ensure protected leave and remove the requirement for employees to obtain sick notes prior to taking time off for self-isolation or quarantine, or to provide care for those who are in self-isolation or quarantine.

Additional details will be announced in the coming days.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath says she is pleased with the draft and will cooperate to pass a bill to help Ontario people weather the storm.

They are also urging the government to put together a plan for already-crowded hospitals and a plan to help health care workers with child care because we will desperately need them to be at work in the days ahead.