The Canadian Federation of University Women Belleville and District has sent a letter to Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith saying that current Federal supports are not effective in providing symptomatic workers the option of remaining away from work for the time it takes to ascertain that they are free of COVID-19.
Co-President Lynn Becker tells Quinte News this must change for all workers without paid sick days, adding that disproportionately, this group includes those at the bottom of the socio-economic scale.
“We are fully aware that for a number of PSWs especially that can’t be home especially that cannot afford to stay home if they don’t feel well.”
Becker says these workers are not able to take care of themselves and their families for the number of days it takes to ensure they do not have COVID-19.
“Änd they are not able to take care of themselves and their families if they’re not feeling well.”
In addition, the local Federation of University Women is also endorsing the key findings made by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus on supports for the Long Term Care sector.
This includes an immediate increase in care funding for four hours of direct service daily, an accurately tracked per bed funding model, support for ongoing capital improvements, bolstered Infection Prevention and Control.
It states a final consideration to improve Long Term Care is a return to regular inspections and reviews of homes and procedures.
