COVID-19

Coronavirus Updates & Links
COVID-19

Unifor Updates & Resources

The National Union has set up a page which is a hub for information and resources on how your union is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for:

UPDATES

General Motors Updates

The following Documents have been issued and distributed by General Motors to their employees in St Catharines, we will add documents and updates from the company here. (please note these documents are from General Motors not the Union) Unifor will also post and release official notifications.

  1. SOS Addendum – COVID-19 Notice (p.2 complete) – March 19, 2020
  2. Huddle Message for March 19 p.1 – St. Cath
  3. Huddle Message for March 19 p.2 – St. Cath
  4. SOS Addendum – COVID-19 Notice – March 19, 2020
  5. SOS Addendum – COVID-19 Notice – March 18, 2020
  6. COVID 19 G.S. FAQ update March17.2020
  7. Huddle Message for March 18 – St. Cath (2)

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization provides information from around the world which includes WHO recommendations for governments and organizations. They have an interactive dashboard which is a world map that provides daily updates of COVID-19  cases globally.

Centre for Disease Control

Government of Canada Updates

The Government of Canada provides regular updates about COVID-19, which includes the number of test and confirmed cases in Canada. There are updates and a number to call for more information.

 

Contact for COVID-19 information 1-833-784-4397 Interpretation services are available in multiple languages Email: phac.info.aspc@canada.ca

Government of Ontario Updates 

The Government of Ontario has a website and updates related to Coronavirus COVID-19, there is also a self assessment tool Gov of Ontario Coronavirus Updates

COVID-19 Updates

This page has been added to our website to provide members with updates related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click on the tabs for more information, links and videos. On the bottom of the page are local news post.

The National Union has also a set up a web page which is a hub of current information and resources on how your union is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. For resources, update and sector specific information Click on the Unifor Link. To download the Unifor Fact sheet  Click Here.

Both the Government of Canada and Ontario have Coronavirus pages, for self assessment tools and up to date information about the virus click on these Government links.

What is COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.  In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

Basic protective measures against the new Coronavirus

The World Health Organization WHO has some excellent information related to the Coronavirus.  Following is a video and some tips, how to protect yourself against COVID-19.  To visit the WHO website click here.

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

If you have recently visited  areas where COVID-19 is spreading in the past 14 days

  • Follow the guidance outlined above. Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
  • If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Myths Related to the Coronavirus

There is no shortage of advice pertaining to the Coronavirus. The World Health Organization WHO has a list of myths related to COVID-19 we highly recommend you click on the link Coronavirus Myths They have excellent graphics that can be printed, shared and posted in the workplace.

  1. COVID-19 virus CAN BE transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
  2. Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
  3. Taking a hot bath DOES NOT prevent the new coronavirus disease
  4. The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
  5. Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
  6. Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?
  7. How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus?
  8. Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
  9. Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
  10. Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
  11. Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
  12. Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
  13. Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
  14. Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?

Out of Province Travel Assistance Coverage: COVID-19

Green Shield Canada and Allianz Global Assistance (Out of Province travel Insurance provider) have recently released updates on their websites on Coverage updates and clarifications related to coronavirus. Before traveling out of Province it is important that members check the Canadian Travel and Advice Advisories website for up to date Travel Advisories for your travel destination.

  1. The Government of Canada is advising that Canadians avoid all travel on cruise ships due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, until further notice.
  2. Official Global Travel Advisory is advising that Canadians Avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is intended to cover losses arising from sudden and unforeseeable circumstances. Any claims resulting from events known to a policyholder when purchasing insurance are not covered. Read the full report.Allianz Travel update MARCH 11.2020

HEALTHCARE BENEFITS

Before travelling members should also visit www.greenshield.ca and www.travelinsurance.ca for the latest updates on insurance and benefit coverage.

What does it mean for my coverage if I travel to an area which is not under a travel advisory at the time of departure and then the status changes while I’m at the destination?

  • If your travel coverage will expire while stranded in an area under quarantine (due to the trip day limit or a limited coverage period), GSC will extend the emergency medical coverage until the end of the period of quarantine.
  • If you are stranded beyond the planned return date from your trip in an area under quarantine, GSC will allow reimbursement for meals and accommodations for the additional unplanned days up to the amount included in your benefits plan.

What does it mean for my coverage if I travel to an area after a travel advisory has been issued by the Government of Canada?

  • Any medical claims related to condition(s) for which the advisory was issued will not be eligible.
  • Extensions to travel coverage beyond the maximum number of days will not be considered if you are stranded in a location due to quarantine. Updated G.S. Allianz COVID 19 report Mar.13.2020 2

Call Green Shield Canada 1-888-711-1119 if you have questions on your Out of Province coverages.

See attached Green Shield and Allianz update documents.

Any further questions please call your Benefit Reps.

LAWRENCE ROBSON Benefit Rep 905-641-6444

  1. COVID 19 G.S. FAQ update March17.2020
  2. GreenShield Coronavirus FAQ – March.2020
  3. Allianz Travel update MARCH 11.2020
  4. Benefit Report

 

Travel Advice & Advisory

Before Travelling members should check the Canadian Travel Advise and Advisory for up to date information about different countries and modes of transportation. To limit the spread of COVID-19, many countries have put in place travel or border restrictions and other measures such as movement restrictions and quarantines. Airlines have cancelled flights. New restrictions may be imposed with little warning. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted and you may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected.

Currently there is an advisory to avoid all crime ship travel & Avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice, these advisories change daily so keep checking for up to date information.    You can also register your e mail and receive updates when travelling.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and travel insurance

Some travel insurance providers no longer cover travellers who need to cancel their trips to destinations that are subject to a Travel Advisory due to the coronavirus outbreak. Check the Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination and verify your travel insurance coverage with your provider before you travel.

The direct link to the Travel Advice  & Advisory is https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

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