Supervisors have ongoing responsibilities to ensure that:

• regular communication is maintained with direct reports and amongst members of the department/unit;
• work assignments are appropriate and progress is reported;
• work arrangements are flexible and appropriate while satisfying the operational needs of the unit and the university;
• work-related information and equipment is properly cared for and controlled;
• employees have access to personal protective equipment adequate for the nature of work;
• employees have access to appropriate technology to support their full participation e.g., web camera and microphone for technology-based meetings);
• clear expectations (e.g., health and safety protocol, illness screening and absence reporting, etc.) are communicated and adhered to; and
• support services are available to support employee wellbeing.

Employees are expected to:

• adhere to health and safety protocols;
• self-assess for symptoms of illness daily and report absences to their manager;

• perform the regular aspects of their work and provide deliverables within the normally expected timeframes;
• maintain regular contact with their supervisor to establish work assignments and report on progress;
• be available for and participate in meetings (either in-person, virtually or by telephone);
• ensure appropriate care and control of work-related information and equipment when working remotely;
• be cognizant of time and ensure working hours are established in consultation with their supervisor if should they deviate from the normal expected working hours; and
• use appropriate sick leave if they are feeling unwell.

We recognize that many of you face other challenges including balancing your work with personal responsibilities like child care or self-isolation. Brandon University continues to support a range of work arrangements, including work from home for those employees who are able.

This is not a one-size-fits all solution, and we know that you will have many questions about how this works for you, and for your area. You and your supervisor will work out the details that are appropriate for your role and the operational needs of your unit.

If you are caring for someone else:

• If you are not doing your full job and you are caring for someone who is ill, or who is self- isolating/quarantined, you will first draw on your care-for balance, then banked overtime and vacation, to cover those hours. You may also opt for a partial unpaid leave.
• If you are not doing your full job and you are caring for a child who is home without childcare or school, you will first draw on your care-for balance, then banked overtime and vacation, to cover those hours. You may also opt for a partial unpaid leave.
• If you are able to do your full job while caring for someone who is ill, or who is self-isolating/quarantined, you will report your regular hours worked.

If you yourself are sick or self-isolating:

• If you are self-isolating/quarantined and still able to work from home, you can continue to work and be paid regular time for those hours (normal pay provisions apply).
• If you are ill, or self-isolating/quarantined, and not able to do some or any work from home, you will draw on sick time to cover any remaining hours. If your sick time is or will be depleted, you can then draw on your banked overtime and vacation. You may also opt for an unpaid leave.

Early recognition of symptoms and self-isolation from others reduces the risk of transmission. To ensure the health and safety of all members of the university community, employees and students will be asked to monitor themselves daily for symptoms of COVID-19. To assist with this, please complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool.

Protocol for Absence Reporting and Disclosures of COVID-19

All members of the University community must be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and the importance of reporting their absences to their Dean/Director. At this time, medical notes are not required to support absences related to COVID-19 symptoms or required self-isolation periods.

Always follow the latest guidance from Public Health regarding self-isolation and the notification of close contacts. You may be responsible for notifying your own close contacts. If you are unsure about close contacts you may have had on campus, your Dean or area director can help.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality of personal information will be maintained in accordance with The Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA). Any health-related information provided will be used to maintain a safe work environment.

Isolation is recommended when you test positive on a laboratory based (e.g. PCR) test, on a rapid antigen test, or if you have symptoms without testing:

• You should isolate for 5 daysafter your symptoms started and until you have no fever and your other symptoms have improved over the past 24 hours.
• If you don’t have symptoms and test positive, you should isolate for 5 days after your test date.

You should also avoid non-essential visits to high-risk settings (e.g. personal care homes, health care facilities, etc.) and non-essential contact with individuals at high risk of severe outcomes for 10 days after your symptoms started, or if you don’t develop symptoms, for 10 days after your test date. As well, you should wear a well-made, well-fitted mask during this 10 day period if/when you have contact with other people.

Lingering symptoms such as cough or loss of taste or smell can persist beyond the isolation period, and if present, are not reasons for continuing isolation.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality of personal information will be maintained in accordance with The Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA). Any health-related information provided will be used to maintain a safe work environment.

Travel advisories are subject to change with little notice. You must follow the latest guidance from authorities. This changes regularly and you should be diligent about seeking out the most current information.

Your mental wellbeing is as important as your physical health.

We know that this pandemic can cause anxiety and concern and we want to support all employees through this challenging time.

BU employees and eligible family members can access supports, including counselling, through Homewood Health, our employee and family assistance provider. Access their resources online at homeweb.ca or by phoning their toll-free number 24/7 at 1-800-663-1142.

Homewood also offers an Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy called i-Volve – a bilingual, web-based solution designed to treat employees struggling with anxiety and/or mild depression. This treatment program will guide you through exercises that examine and test how you interpret and perceive external stimulation. These insights will help you change and adapt the ways in which you think, feel, and react during anxious scenarios and situations. i-Volve will help you to identify, challenge, and overcome anxious thoughts, behaviours and emotions. You can register at homeweb.ca