COVID-19 Prevention Update: Occupational Health and Safety Information
The following provides workplace health and safety information for Island workers and employers.
As information about COVID-19 develops, the WCB will continue to refer to the PEI Chief Public Health Office and the Public Health Agency of Canada for guidance. Please check here frequently for up to date information.
How does COVID-19 spread?
Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat, and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:
- Respiratory droplets that are spread through coughing or sneezing.
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
- Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms, and may not realize they have been infected, as the symptoms resemble those from a cold or flu. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19 and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty Breathing
What should I do if I develop symptoms?
Employers and workers experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or difficulty breathing), should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing.
Employees and workers experiencing symptoms at work should go home immediately.
Anyone who has traveled outside of Canada (whether experiencing symptoms or not) are required to self-isolate for 14 days following their return.
What can a workplace do?
Workplaces can help by having an infection control plan, which may include such details as:
- Providing clean handwashing facilities.
- Offering alcohol-based hand sanitizers when regular facilities are not available (or to workers working on the road).
- Cleaning objects that are touched frequently, such as workstations, doorknobs, handles, railings, kettles, etc. more often with regular disinfectants or soap and water.
- Providing boxes of tissues and encourage their use.
- Removing magazines and papers from waiting areas or common rooms (staff break rooms).
- Making sure ventilation systems are working properly.
As a worker what can I do to protect myself from getting COVID-19?
You can stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections by:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Coughing or sneezing into your sleeve and not your hands.
- Staying home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
Source: Workers Compensation Board of PEI (Check for regular updates)
Updated: March 16, 2020
