Quebec: New Directives for Immunocompromised Staff, Quarantine, Awaiting Test Results and After the Results

No amount can be recovered by the employer from employees, following the result of a test.

On Saturday Quebec Health Minister Danielle McCann, deposited with the justice minister a Decree applicable to the province health and social services network, also including non-unionized salaried staff.

The decree modifies national and local collective agreements, below are a few of the the modifications regarding immunocompromised workers, isolation orders and COVID-19 screen testing.

You can view the complete Decree (French) here.

Immunocompromised Employees

Immunocompromised employees or employees 70 years of age and over whose state of health requires reassignment are withdrawn from work if the employer has not been able to set up telework or offer reassignment.

Full-time employees continues to receive her remuneration as if they were at work, with the exception of the inconvenience bonus, and the part-time employee are paid in the same way according to the shifts provided for in her work schedule.

Isolation and Quarantine

Full-time employees who have received an isolation order from a public health authority continue to receive remuneration as if they were at work, with the exception of inconvenience premiums.

Part-time employees are paid in the same way according to the shifts provided for in their work schedule.

(With the exception of employees who travel after March 16, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. and who have received an isolation order from a public health authority.)

Awaiting COVID-19 Test Results

Full-time employees awaiting results of the COVID-19 screening test who have received an isolation order from a public health authority continue to receive remuneration as if they were at work, with the exception of inconvenience bonuses.

Part-time employees are remunerated in the same way according to the shifts provided for in their work schedule.

After the Test Results

If the test result is positive, employees who do not benefit from the CNESST program (Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases (chapter A-3.001), may be eligible for salary insurance plan in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreements.

The employee is presumed to have started their waiting period, if applicable, during the waiting period for results and isolation.

No amount can be recovered by the employer from employees, following the result of a test.