Many things are different in Canada than in Ukraine. Going to work while sick is one of them.
Post-COVID, going to work sick is not only considered disrespectful, it’s also illegal. Going to work while sick endangers other people. It could lead to you losing your job, or facing legal trouble if you make other people sick.
By law, your employer must give you 5 days paid sick leave per year.
If an employee has symptoms of COVID-19, they must stay home and use the When to get tested for COVID-19 resource or the BC Self-Assessment Tool to see if they need to get tested.
- If they test positive and are fully vaccinated, they must self-isolate for 5 days. They can return to work after 5 days if their symptoms have improved and they no longer have a fever.
- If they test positive for COVID-19 and are not not fully vaccinated, self-isolate for 10 days. They can return to work if their symptoms have improved and they no longer have a fever.
- If not tested, they must stay home they no longer have symptoms.
If test is negative:
All employees must stay home from work at least 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms. Persons with the flu are most contagious during the first 3 days of their illness.
If your illness is serious, please call HealthLink at 8-1-1. If it’s an emergency, please call 9-1-1.