CUPE Ontario shares the concerns of many about the spread of COVID-19 around the globe and taking precautions to limit the spread of infectious disease is our priority.
We have received multiple inquiries about how this virus may affect CUPE Ontario’s scheduled events in the foreseeable future and wanted to provide this update.
Over the next couple of months, CUPE Ontario is hosting the Social Services Sector Conference, the Ontario Library Workers Conference, the Ontario Municipal Employees Coordinating Committee Conference, the Trades Conference, and the CUPE Ontario Convention.
At this time, none of these events have been cancelled or postponed. CUPE Ontario continues to monitor this situation closely and will be guided by the recommendations and guidelines of the Public Health authorities in the specific communities where our events are being held, or by a province-wide directive from the Ministry of Health.
As a further precaution, CUPE Ontario will be removing all buffet-style food at the meet and greets at each event. Where possible we will have this food replaced with packaged items.
Should a member have to cancel an event as a result of an illness, a full refund will be provided.
It is important to stress that Ontario is currently at low-risk with relatively few confirmed cases.
We are nevertheless urging members who are feeling ill or experiencing flu-like symptoms to remain at home. And, for now, we’re suggesting limiting direct physical contact with people where possible, like greetings of hugs, kisses, and handshakes.
Members are also encouraged, as always, to exercise thorough hygiene techniques – most importantly, regular hand washing of about 20 seconds, the regular use of hand sanitizer, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve.
CUPE National Health and Safety department has produced a COVID-19 Q&A that is available online and CUPE Ontario has produced a Q&A guide for health care workers.
In the event of a cancelled event, CUPE Ontario will be sure to contact all registered locals directly to inform them, as well as post the information on the CUPE Ontario website at www.cupe.on.ca.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact CUPE Ontario.
In solidarity,
Fred Hahn, CUPE Ontario President
Candace Rennick, CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer
