Wellness checkpoints
Employee Wellness Checklist and provincial health guidelines
Before coming to work each day, employees (including fee for service) and volunteers are required to review the online Employee Wellness Checklist applicable to their province to determine if they meet the wellness criteria. If you answer yes or receive a result that indicates you should be isolating or getting tested, please reach out to your supervisor.
If you have any questions about this information or return to work, please contact EHS@blood.ca.
The following links are subject to change and are not actively monitored and updated by Canadian Blood Services. The summaries of provincial public health testing and self-isolation requirements should be used primarily as a reference tool. It shall not be taken as legal or public health advice. Please refer to your local and provincial public health authority, as applicable, for the most up to date information and requirements. In all cases, the public health requirements shall supersede Canadian Blood Services summary tables.
British Columbia
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
Public health criteria for testing and isolation | Description |
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Eligibility for testing based on symptoms | Testing is recommended for people who meeting one of the following criteria and have symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection: (1) People for whom testing is clinically indicated People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised:
People for whom a positive result could impact treatment or care:
People who are fully vaccinated:
People who are unvaccinated whose vaccines are not up to date, if they are:
Individuals who live or work in high-risk settings:
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Eligibility for testing based on other reasons | Testing eligibility depends on being symptomatic (more than mild or moderate) and/or belonging to a group for whome testing is clinically indicated or being a resident or worker in a high-risk setting. See Eligibility based on symptoms cell above. |
Time of Isolation for those with Symptoms | If persons with symptoms are not recommended for testing, self-isolate until you feel well enough to return to regular activities and no longer have fever (without the use of medicines that reduce fever-like Tylenol or Advil). Positive test result: if fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days since the start of symptoms. Wear a mask even in settings where a mask isn’t required and avoid higher risk settings, such as long term care facilities and gatherings, for another 5 days after ending isolation. If not feeling better after 10 days, continue until you feel better and your fever is gone (without taking medicines that reduce fever). |
Other isolation requirements |
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Individual Travel including for how long | No isolation requirements after travel within Canada, follow federal isolation requirements after travel outside Canada. |
Household members | See close contacts below. “Close contact” includes someone who lived with an individual with COVID-19. |
Close contact including for how long | If you are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you need to monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19, avoid high-risk settings for 10 days, and follow public health measures. If you develop symptoms, stay at home until you are well enough to participate in your usual activities and check to see if you are recommended to get tested. |
Positive test or awaiting results including for how long | Start your self-isolation right away if you have a positive test, and follow public health instructions on length of isolation. If you test positive for COVID-19 and are fully vaccinated, you need to self-isolate at home for 5 days AND until your symptoms improve and you no longer have a fever. |
Additional supporting information: | Self-Assessment Tool and App: https://bc.thrive.health
Testing: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing/when-to-get-a-covid-19-test http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_public_guidance/When_to_get_tested.pdf Isolation: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/self-isolation#How--long.
For positive cases: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/if-you-have-covid-19. For close contacts: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/self-isolation/close-contacts. |
Alberta
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
Public health criteria for testing and isolation | Description |
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Eligibility for testing based on symptoms | Free PCR testing from AHS is available for:
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Eligibility for testing based on other reasons | PCR tests will be available only for the following individuals:
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Time of Isolation for those with Symptoms | If fully vaccinated, isolate for a minimum period of 5 days from the first day on which the person exhibits [core] symptoms, or until the person’s symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. Following isolation, wear a mask at all times when around others outside of home for up to 5 more days (10 total). This means you must eat or drink alone, away from others. For any “other” symptom, stay home and limit contact with others until symptoms are gone
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Other isolation requirements |
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Individual Travel including for how long | No isolation requirements after travel within Canada, follow federal isolation requirements after travel outside Canada. |
Household members | If you are a household contact of a positive case and you are not fully vaccinated, you should stay home for 10 days and monitor for symptoms. If they develop, isolate immediately. |
Close contact including for how long | No longer legally required to quarantine if you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 but should follow recommendations: If you have been exposed to COVID-19 by someone outside of your household, you should:
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Positive test or awaiting results including for how long | Starting the first day of symptoms or positive test, isolate for a minimum of 5 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. Following isolation, wear a mask at all times when around others outside of home for up to 5 more days (10 total). This means you must eat or drink alone, away from others. |
Additional supporting information: | Self-Assessment Tool: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Journey/COVID-19/Pages/Assessment.aspx. Testing: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17058.aspx. Isolation: https://www.alberta.ca/isolation.aspx |
Saskatchewan
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
Public health criteria for testing and isolation | Description |
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Eligibility for testing based on symptoms | If you are experiencing mild cold-like symptoms including cough, sore throat, sneezing without fever, it is recommended that you stay home, use rapid antigen testing and self-isolate based on those results. SHA Public PCR testing is now reserved for priority populations at elevated risk for severe outcomes, including symptomatic clients on a waitlist for and scheduled to receive surgery in the next 90 days, and symptomatic pregnant women greater than 30 weeks gestation. Additionally, health care workers and essential workers with negative rapid test results who remain symptomatic will continue to be eligible for PCR tests to protect Saskatchewan’s essential services. |
Eligibility for testing based on other reasons | SHA PCR testing will be reserved for priority populations at elevated risk for severe outcomes, including:
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Time of Isolation for those with Symptoms | Symptoms on their own do not trigger self-isolation requirements. But it is recommended you self-isolate and test at home with a rapid antigen test. If the test results are negative, self-isolate until at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate immediately at home or in another suitable environment. It is recommended you self-isolate for five days from the date of test or 24 hours after fever has resolved without the aid of fever-reducing medications and all other symptoms have been improving for at least 48 hours, whichever is later. |
Other isolation requirements |
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Individual Travel including for how long | No isolation requirements after travel within Canada, follow federal isolation requirements after travel outside Canada. |
Household members | If someone in your household is sick and self-isolating, self-isolation is not required. You should self-monitor for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, you should immediately self-isolate and self test. If you test positive, it is recommended to self-isolate for five days. |
Close contact including for how long | Self-monitoring for at least 10 days is recommended for close contacts. Self-test immediately and again on days three and five from the point of exposure to the confirmed case. Close contacts can continue to go to work and school while self-monitoring and should respect and follow all organizational policies and guidelines that are in place to protect others. You should self-Isolate if you become symptomatic, or if you test positive. |
Positive test or awaiting results including for how long | It’s strongly recommended that you self-isolate immediately for 5 days if you test positive. |
COVID-19 exposure including for how long | If you receive an exposure notification from COVID Alert, regardless of your vaccination status, self-monitor for symptoms. If you develop any symptoms during this time, self-isolate and get tested. |
Additional supporting information: | Assessment/Self-monitoring: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/about-covid-19/self-monitoring Isolation: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/-/media/files/coronavirus/covid-main/know-when-to-self-isolate---feb-28.pdf; COVID-19 Case and Contact Management | Living with COVID | Government of Saskatchewan |
Manitoba
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
Public health criteria for testing and isolation | Description |
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Eligibility for testing based on symptoms | RAT testing:
PCR testing: Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups are eligible for PCR testing:
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Eligibility for testing based on other reasons
| People who tested positive on a rapid antigen test and are:
People having surgery that require PCR testing prior to the procedure People advised by public health officials including for the purpose of initial investigation in a confirmed or suspected outbreak in high risk settings; Residents of First Nation communities; and Before travel to or return to First Nations and Indigenous and Northern Relations communities |
Time of Isolation for those with Symptoms
| If you have COVID-19 symptoms and do not go for testing, you should isolate for five days after your symptoms started and until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms have been improved over the past 24 hours. |
Other isolation requirements |
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Individual Travel including for how long | No isolation requirements after travel within Canada, follow federal isolation requirements after travel outside Canada. |
Household members | All household members of someone who has symptoms, tests positive or is awaiting test results should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following exposure and are not routinely required to self-isolate (quarantine), except where advised by public health in high risk situations, such as outbreaks, or in health care facilities. |
Close contact including for how long | Close contacts are not routinely required to self-isolate (quarantine), except where advised by public health in high risk situations, such as outbreaks, or in health care facilities. If you live in a First Nation community, check with your community for further guidance. |
Positive test or awaiting results including for how long | 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:
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Additional supporting information: | Assessment: Symptoms: https://www.manitoba.ca/covid19/fundamentals/symptoms.html Screening tool: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/ Screening questions: Covid-19 Generic Screening Checklist June 2021 (manitoba.ca)
Testing: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/testing/testing-eligibility.html
Isolation: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/fundamentals/self-isolation.html#when-isolate |
Ontario
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
Public health criteria for testing and isolation | Description |
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Eligibility for testing based on symptoms | PCR testing will only be recommended for individuals if they belong specific groups, including: Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups:
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Eligibility for testing based on other reasons | The following people are eligible for molecular testing (PCR or rapid molecular testing):
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Time of Isolation for those with Symptoms | Individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are presumed positive and are advised to self-isolate as soon as possible after symptom onset. Fully vaccinated persons must self-isolate for 5 days after symptom onset and can end once symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours. |
Other isolation requirements |
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Individual Travel including for how long | No isolation requirements after travel within Canada, follow federal isolation requirements after travel outside Canada. |
Household members | Household contacts of individuals with COVID-19 or symptoms are required to isolate while the positive/symptomatic individual is isolating (or for 10 days if you are immunocompromised), with the following exceptions:
If symptoms develop, you must self-isolate for 5 (or 10 days as applicable) days from symptom onset and get tested if eligible |
Close contact including for how long | Non-household contacts who do not have symptoms are required to self-monitor for 10 days. They are also required to wear a mask, avoid activities where mask removal is necessary (such as dining out, high contact sports) and follow all other public health measures if leaving home; and not visit any highest-risk settings (such as long-term care or retirement homes) or people who may be at higher risk of illness (such as seniors) for 10 days after your last exposure. If symptoms develop, self-isolate immediately for 5 days from onset of symptoms (or 10 if applicable) and until no fever and other symptoms are improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms). Get tested if eligible and follow guidance for cases. |
Positive test or awaiting results including for how long | If fully vaccinated, isolate for 5 days following the date of specimen collection or onset of symptoms (whichever is earlier/applicable). End isolation after 5 days if symptoms are improved for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and there is no fever present prior to ending self-isolation. For five days (or 10 days if you are immunocompromised) after your isolation period ends, you must continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings. |
Additional supporting information: | Assessment: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ Testing and Isolation: COVID-19 Integrated Testing & Case, Contact and Outbreak Management Interim Guidance: Omicron Surge, Version 3.0 March 9, 2022 |
Quebec
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
The following links from the Quebec government are provided for information purposes only. Canadian Blood Services staff who live in Quebec but work in Ontario will still need to meet the Ontario requirement for isolation to be able to return to work as the rules in Ontario will apply to workplaces in Ontario.
Assessment: https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/coronavirus-2019/isolement/outil-autoevaluation-covid-19
New Brunswick
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
Public health criteria for testing and isolation | Description |
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Eligibility for testing based on symptoms | PCR tests for symptomatic people are only for those who are:
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Eligibility for testing based on other reasons | Everyone not encompassed by the above row will be advised to take point-of-care rapid tests when symptomatic. A positive rapid test will be treated as a positive result for COVID-19 |
Time of Isolation for those with Symptoms | People are encouraged to stay home and work from home if possible:
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Other isolation requirements |
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Individual Travel including for how long | No isolation requirements after travel within Canada, follow federal isolation requirements after travel outside Canada. |
Household members | Household contacts should monitor for symptoms and stay home if they are feeling sick. If a household contact develops symptoms, they can complete the online form and request a test |
Close contact including for how long | No isolation requirements for close contacts |
Positive test or awaiting results including for how long | The following measures are encouraged:
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Additional supporting information: | Testing: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/about-covid-19/testing-tracing.html Isolation: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/self_isolation.html#1.2 |
Nova Scotia
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
Public health criteria for testing and isolation | Description |
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Eligibility for testing based on symptoms | People who have symptoms or have been identified as close contacts AND fall into one of the categories listed here: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting#am-i-eligible-for-a-pcr-test- NS Health has resumed confirmation PCR testing for people who test positive on a RAT. |
Eligibility for testing based on other reasons | PCR tests are only available for:
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Time of Isolation for those with Symptoms | Symptoms have been broken down into either “A” or “B”. You need to self-isolate and complete a COVID-19 self-assessment if in the past 48 hours you have had or you are currently experiencing an “A” symptom or two or more “B” symptoms. Self-isolate until you receive your results and directions for next steps If you’ve recovered from COVID-9 and have symptoms: For the immediate three months (90 days) after you are considered recovered, COVID-19 testing is typically not recommended. If you develop symptoms in these 3 months, self-isolate until symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you have gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting) and you don’t have a fever.
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Other isolation requirements |
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Individual Travel including for how long | No isolation requirements after travel within Canada, follow federal isolation requirements after travel outside Canada. |
Household members | Those who have an exposure in their household but have no symptoms are recommended to complete testing 72 hours from the diagnosed person’s specimen collection date for testing If you have symptoms, self-isolate immediately, and complete a COVID-19 test immediately and again at least 72 hours later. You can only stop isolating if you get a negative test taken at least 72 hours after your symptoms started in accordance with Public Health Guidelines and symptoms are improving (including no fever for 24 hours). If you do not complete testing, you are required to isolate a full 7 day from the date the symptoms started. |
Close contact including for how long | No requirement in effect. Monitor for symptoms.If symptoms develop, self isolate and get tested as soon as possible. You can stop isolating if you receive a negative PCR test result OR you receive two negative rapid tests taken at least 48 hours apart. |
Positive test or awaiting results including for how long | If symptomatic, you must isolate on the first day symptoms started and continue thereafter for a minimum of 7 days or as directed by a MOH. If asymptomatic, self-isolate on the first day of positive diagnosis and continue thereafter for 7 days following positive diagnosis or as directed by a MOH. They can leave isolation after 7 consecutive days. If they no longer have symptoms, or symptoms are improving (including no fever for at least 24 hours). |
Additional supporting information: | Assessment: https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/en Testing: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting Isolation: https://www.nshealth.ca/what-do-i-need-know-about-covid-19-self-isolation Information for COVID-19 Close Contacts | Nova Scotia Health Authority (nshealth.ca) |
Prince Edward Island
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
Public health criteria for testing and isolation | Description |
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Eligibility for testing based on symptoms | Eligible for a PCR test based on any symptom listed below. |
Eligibility for testing based on other reasons | Eligibility for PCR testing:
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Time of Isolation for those with Symptoms | If you have symptoms and are waiting for COVID-19 test results and have not been in close contact with a known case: you only need to self-isolate until you receive a negative COVID-19 test result, unless otherwise instructed by a public health official. |
Other isolation requirements |
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Individual Travel including for how long | No isolation requirements after travel within Canada, follow federal isolation requirements after travel outside Canada. |
Household members | If a household is unable to ensure that a member who is required to self-isolate remains isolated from the other members, the other members must isolate with the case for the same period of time as the positive case. |
Close contact including for how long | Fully vaccinated close contacts who have symptoms must self-isolate for at least 7 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms or at least 7 days after the date of the initial positive test, whichever is earlier and for such additional time as indicated by a public health official (including 10 days for immunocompromised individuals). |
Positive test or awaiting results including for how long | Persons diagnosed with COVID-19 and fully vaccinated shall self-isolate for a period of 7 days after the onset of symptoms or the day the positive test, whichever is earlier, and for such additional time as indicated by publci health officials.. If you are immune compromised, you must isolate for 10 days and must be feeling better with no worsening symptoms to exit isolation. If you are immune compromised and if hospitalized, you must isolate for 14 days, and must be feeling better with no worsening symptoms to exit isolation. Persons symptomatic and awaiting a test result shall self-isolate until they receive a negative test result. |
Additional supporting information: | Assessment: https://assessment.princeedwardisland.ca/ Testing: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/covid-19-testing-in-pei Isolation: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/covid-19-self-isolation For positive cases: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/information-for-people-who-have-tested-positive-for-covid-19 For close contacts: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/covid-19-close-contacts
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Newfoundland and Labrador
- Are you experiencing any new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions.
- Are you required or recommended to self-isolate under local or provincial requirements due to travel, symptoms, close contact or testing?
- Complete the applicable provincial COVID-19 assessment screening tool for your jurisdiction below to determine if you need to obtain a COVID-19 test or should be isolating.
Public health criteria for testing and isolation | Description |
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Eligibility for testing based on symptoms | Eligible for a PCR test based on any symptom listed below within 30 days of using the self-assessment tool depends on belonging to a certain group, unless you have been infected with COVID-19 in the last 3 months:
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Eligibility for testing based on other reasons | You are eligible for a PCR test if any of the following apply:
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Time of Isolation for those with Symptoms | If no exposure but you have symptoms: self-isolate and determine if you need to get tested. If your test is negative, you should self-isolate until 24 hours after your symptoms resolve. If positive, follow guidance for positive cases below. |
Other isolation requirements |
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Individual Travel including for how long | No isolation requirements after travel within Canada, follow federal isolation requirements after travel outside Canada. |
Household members | Household members of persons self-isolating because they have COVID-19 must comply with the following:
Household members of persons self-isolating because they may have been exposed to COVID-19 must comply with the following:
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Close contact including for how long | If you were infected in the last 3 months: You do not need to get tested. If you have symptoms, self-isolate until your symptoms have improved with no fever for at least 24 hours. If you do not have symptoms, you do not need to self-isolate For those who were not infected in the last 3 months:
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Positive test or awaiting results including for how long | If you get tested for COVID-19 and the test result is positive, you must self-isolate according to the following:for 10 days from your test date or until 10 full days after your symptoms started.
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COVID-19 exposure including for how long | Public exposure: If received a notification from COVID Alert app, received an email/call from a business about potential exposure, or were in a place that was part of a public exposure notification and symptomatic: you must self isolate if symptomatic. |
Additional supporting information: | Assessment and Testing Referral Tool: https://covidassessment.nlchi.nl.ca/ Screening questionnaire (daily fit-to-work assessment): https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/files/Covid-Questionnaire-Work.pdf
Isolation: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/public-health-guidance/self-isolation/ https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/public-health-guidance/testing/if-you-test-positive/ Isolation assessment tool: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/public-health-guidance/self-isolation/assessment-tool/ |
FAQ: Wellness screening
How are employees being screened in donor centres?
Posters at the entrances to our sites focus on wellness and remind employees and volunteers to stay home if they are sick, or recommended or required to isolate. Before coming to work each day, employees and volunteers are required to review the online Employee Wellness Checklist applicable to their province to determine if they meet the wellness criteria. The Employee Wellness Checklist can be found on the employee portal and is accessible from any device. Visit: https://www.blood.ca/en/employees/wellness-checkpoint.
Any employee who is sick, including but not limited to those who develop flu-like symptoms, is instructed to stay away from the workplace.
Employees with COVID-19 symptoms are being asked to contact their physician and local public health authority for direction on whether it is safe to come into work. Employees can also reference the public health summary page.
Any employee diagnosed with COVID-19 would not return to work until they are fully recovered aligned with local provincial public health guidance. An individual may also get advice and guidance from public health and/or their physician and may need to consult with EHS.
Any employee who is sick will be paid at their regular rate of pay for hours that would otherwise be worked, even if they would normally not have paid sick leave, or have paid sick leave that is less than their regular rate of pay.
Employees do not need to provide medical documentation to their managers.
We ask that employees refer to, and follow, any provincial requirements for travel. If an employee is required to self-isolate upon return, they are not to return to work until it is deemed safe by their public health authority.
What changes have been implemented to streamline the wellness checkpoint process for employees?
New posters at the entrances to our sites focus on wellness and remind employees (including fee for service) and volunteers to stay home if they are sick, or recommended or required to isolate.
Before coming to work each day, employees (including fee for service) and volunteers are required to review the online Employee Wellness Checklist applicable to their province to determine if they meet the wellness criteria. The Employee Wellness Checklist can be found on the employee portal and is accessible from any device. Visit: https://www.blood.ca/en/employees/wellness-checkpoint.
As has always been the case, employees and volunteers are expected to follow their applicable local, provincial public health guidelines.
Why did you remove the employee wellness poster that outlined the public health guidelines specific to my province?
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, wellness checkpoints were one of the many measures implemented to keep our teams and donors safe and protect our essential operations.
These measures are being consistently reviewed to ensure we can continue to safely deliver on our promise to patients and improve the donor and employee experience.
Public health guidance on isolation and testing is rapidly evolving. Each province and territory establishes their own regulations, and there are differences across all jurisdictions. With public health guidelines rapidly evolving, and differing in each province, it is no longer practical to maintain detailed posters outlining requirements for each province. Wellness guidance for employees remains the same: all who are sick, or recommended or required to isolate must stay home.
Employee wellness checklists specific to each province are now available on the employee portal. To support the wellbeing of everyone in our sites, employees and volunteers are required to review this before coming to work. The checklists can be accessed from any device. Visit: https://www.blood.ca/en/employees/wellness-checkpoint
There is a new poster on the door asking employees to stay home if they are sick, or recommended or required to isolate. How do I know if I am recommended or required to isolate?
As has always been the case, everyone must follow the public health guidelines outlined by their own province. We understand that these guidelines are changing regularly and are different in each province. Please consult your province’s public health resources to review the latest guidance for your area. We have compiled a summary of these guidelines for reference purposes and links to relevant resources, available at: https://www.blood.ca/en/employees/wellness-checkpoint
Why is there a detailed poster specific to donors?
Eligibility to donate is different than eligibility to enter a Canadian Blood Services site. If a donor is feeling sick or should be isolating, they should not be entering. The additional information provided for donors is specific to their eligibility to donate based on our donor selection criteria manual. To improve donor experience, we have highlighted a few COVID-19 specific reasons that would result in a deferral from donating that day.
Why are employees entering the workplace subjected to different screening criteria than donors seeking to donate?
Before coming to work each day, employees (including fee for service) and volunteers are required to review the online Employee Wellness Checklist applicable to their province to determine if they meet the wellness criteria.
Eligibility to donate is different than eligibility to enter a Canadian Blood Services site. If a donor is feeling sick or should be isolating, they should not be entering. The additional information provided for donors is specific to their eligibility to donate based on our donor selection criteria manual. To improve donor experience, we have highlighted a some key COVID-19 donor eligibility criteria that could result in a deferral from donating that day.
I have a cough due to a pre-existing condition. I am concerned that if I answer “yes” to having a cough at the wellness checkpoint that I will not be permitted to enter the building even through it isn’t related to COVID-19. What should I do?
Some employees may have COVID-like symptoms that are caused by another medical issue such as allergies or asthma. A declaration from their physician will need to be provided to Employee Health Services in order for a letter to be issued advising that they are safe to report to work. Employees should bring the letter with them each time they report to work. For more information, please speak with your supervisor.
If an employee cannot obtain a letter from their doctor, we ask that they stay home until they are able to do so. To avoid unnecessary trips outside of the home, we understand that health care providers may be able to email EHS with the letter.
How do I find out how long I need to isolate before returning to work after testing positive for COVID-19?
Everyone must follow the public health guidelines outlined by their own province. We understand that these guidelines are changing regularly and are different in each province. Please consult your province’s public health resources to review the latest guidance for your area and with employee health services. We have compiled a summary of these guidelines for reference purposes and links to relevant resources, available at: https://www.blood.ca/en/employees/wellness-checkpoint
I have reviewed the provincial public health guidelines and I am not sure what applies to me because of my own personal circumstances. What should I do?
If you have reviewed your provincial guidelines and are still unsure of what is required, please consult public health. For all other questions, contact communications@blood.ca.
The screening process seems less stringent than before, and I am concerned that a simple question about ‘are you well or recommend or required to isolate’ won’t stop sick colleagues from coming to work. Will I be safe?
Your safety at work continues to be a priority. By moving the screening questions online, we are improving the process by directing employees to the latest, most up-to-date public health guidance and resources. Employees are expected to review the Employee Wellness Checklist before coming to work.
How are we supporting those who are visually impaired to read the wellness check questionnaire poster?
To provide support, our teams will always work hard to accommodate donors who are visually impaired by taking the time to read through the questionnaire.
Who should I contact if I have questions/concerns?
For donor-related questions or concerns, please reach out to collectionandcliniclogisticsquestions@blood.ca.
For employee safety questions or concerns, please contact OH&S.
For all other inquiries, please contact communications@blood.ca or visit blood.ca/employees for more information.
Employee temperature checks
Temperature checks as part of wellness screening will be discontinued at the end of November 2021.
The donor’s temperature will continue to be taken using an oral thermometer in screening for the purpose of determining eligibility to donate. Measures are in place to ensure donors and employees are safe in the private screening rooms, such as installed acrylic barriers, access to eye protection and the requirement for employees and donors to wear masks. Taking the donor’s oral temperature is the last screening step in our thorough wellness check and medical screening process.
If you have questions about this decision, refer to the FAQ below or speak with your manager.
FAQ: Employee temperature checks
Why are we removing the temperature taking process from the Wellness Checkpoint?
The organization continues to navigate the COVID-19 landscape, and as always, we constantly review, analyze and revise as necessary, our COVID-19 protocols and safety measures. Our priority has always been to protect the health and wellness of our employees, volunteers and donors using evidence-based data and information.
Assessment of the infrared thermometer demonstrated that ambient temperature affected the accuracy of the temperature readings. The affect was more pronounced at cold temperatures with the device taking between 10 and 20 minutes to stabilize to get an accurate reading (and at extreme cold temperatures the device will not even read a temperature). This may negatively impact operations, as well as donor experience.
In consideration of the operations assessment and as part the COVID-19 protocol and safety measure review process, the COVID-19 Program requested that the Surveillance and Medical Issues (SMI) working group review the positives and negatives of taking temperatures for wellness screening. They found that the screening questions at the wellness checkpoint provide the strongest level of screening and there is no evidence that temperature checks provide incremental benefit over the current wellness check point screening questions. In addition, temperature checks, as a part of COVID-19 wellness screening, are not required in any province and are not required by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
We don’t require donors to be vaccinated – isn't this change increasing risk of exposure?
We recognize there is some perceived risk in removing temperature taking from the wellness checkpoints. We are also aware that a vaccination policy for donors would alleviate these concerns. We are confident that removing this measure at this time will not have a negative impact on the health and safety of employees. We have a fully vaccinated workforce, as well as vaccination requirements for volunteers, contractors and visitors. We are continuing to do the necessary work and assessments to inform a decision on a vaccination policy for donors. This work is ongoing and until that decision is made, we are reassured that our stringent COVID-19 measures such as PPE, enhanced cleaning, barriers and physical distancing have been and will continue to safeguard employees, volunteers, donors and contractors in our environments.
Can we move Carescape back to the wellness checkpoint?
The use of the Carescape thermometer will remain in the donor screening area.
It was determined that the screening questions at the wellness checkpoint provide the strongest level of screening and there is no evidence that temperature checks provide incremental benefit over the current wellness check point screening questions.
Donor temperature oral temperature taking will still be required and will be done at the time of donor eligibility screening in the private screening rooms, where there is an acrylic barrier between the donor and employee. Taking the donor’s oral temperature is the last screening step in our thorough wellness check and medical screening process.
I don’t feel comfortable with donors taking their mask off in the enclosed screening room, even after passing the wellness check.
Health Canada requires that all donor temperatures are recorded to ensure the blood donated is safe for transfusion, therefore oral temperature will be taken inside the private screening room. We have taken measures to ensure donors and employees are safe in the private screening rooms, such as installed acrylic barriers and the requirement for employees to wear masks.