The province has enacted measures to allow employees who are required to self-isolate or are caring for a loved one with COVID-19 to take 14 days of paid job-protected leave to cover the self-isolation period being recommended by Alberta’s chief medical officer of health.
On Thursday, Premier Jason Kenney announced that the government would be making changes to the Employment Standards code to allow employees to self isolate without being fired.
There will be no requirement to have a medical note for such leave or to have worked for an employer for 90 days to qualify for such leave.
Kenney said details on the changes would be provided in the coming days.
"We recognize this could put pressure on employers. As we work through the details, we are keeping this in mind and working toward solutions to address these challenges," he said.“We are taking COVID-19 extremely seriously and acting quickly to improve employment rules. That is why we are offering paid sick leave to help contain the spread of the virus. No one should have to choose between work and taking care of their health. We are all in this together to ensure workplaces are safe and the spread of COVID-19 is mitigated."
