Joint DM/CDS statement on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Direction to CAF Members

• Please refer to CANFORGEN 039/20 SJS 017/20 031919Z (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 UPDATE) (link accessible only on the National Defence network) for amplifying direction related to travel policies, Defence engagements and preventable measures in order to protect the force from COVID-19.

Direction and Recommendations to DND Employees

• STAY UPDATED: Please consult the Government of Canada 2019 coronavirus Outbreak Update page for the most up to date information related to COVID-19.
• UNDERSTAND LEAVE OPTIONS: DND offers various leave options that are available to civilian employees. Leave options include: ,annual, care of family, or leave with pay for other reasons. All leave options are subject to the provision each employee’s relative collective agreement.
  • Please note: As per OCHRO-TBS direction, Government of Canada employees who choose to travel to affected regions for personal reasons and against the advice of the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel advice may not use the category leave with pay for other reasons. Instead, DND recommends that these employees extend their annual leave or use compensatory leave for the period of self-isolation and self-monitoring.
• STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK: Employees who are ill should use sick leave, and feel safe to confide in management and self-isolate and self-monitor without financial penalty, as the Department supports appropriate leave for self-isolation and self-monitoring measures.
• CONSULT TRAVEL ADVISORIES: It is strongly recommended to maintain situational awareness on Government of Canada Travel Health Notices. All civilian employees are also encouraged to complete the Notice of Intent to Travel form outlined in CANFORGEN 039/20 SJS 017/20 031919Z (link accessible only on the National Defence network).
• CONSIDER YOUR RISK OF EXPOSURE: If you work at airports of entry receiving passengers from the affected areas, or if you deal with personnel working at diplomatic missions who may have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, refer to the Health Canada Public Service Occupational Health Program (PSOHP) Occupational Health Advisory: Novel Coronavirus annexes related to your work, for special procedures to follow.

If You Believe You Have Been Exposed

If you traveled to affected areas, had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 or handled laboratory or biological materials known to contain COVID-19, you may be at risk.

• For CAF members, if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days of a potential exposure, you must identify yourself to the medical staff at your local military clinic as soon as possible.
• For civilian employees, if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days of a potential exposure, call your health care provider or local public health authority.

Health Canada recommends taking general precautions to reduce your risk of infection, such as washing your hands often with soap and water, coughing or sneezing into your arm or tissue, avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

As this is an evolving situation, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus for the latest information or visit the Defence Team Intranet page (link accessible only on the National Defence network). You can also follow Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, on Twitter for up-to-date information. 

Resources

Government of Canada 2019 coronavirus Outbreak Update

Government of Canada Travel Notice

Government of Canada 2019 novel coronavirus Information Line: 1-833-784-4397