Ottawa: The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has called on employers to discontinue requirements for sick notes if they have not already done so.
“Sick notes place an unnecessary burden on the health care system at a time where we all need to focus on addressing one of the biggest public health challenges of our time,” CMA said in a media statement.
It reminded everyone to take all necessary steps to limit the spread of Covid-19 by limiting large gatherings, crowded activities, adopting good hygiene practices, and respecting travel advisories.
Employment Insurance – will I get paid if I’m quarantined?
The federal government’s Employment and Social Development unit says Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits can provide you with up to 15 weeks of financial assistance if you cannot work for medical reasons. You could receive 55% of your earnings up to a maximum of $573 a week.
You will need to get a medical certificate to show that you’re unable to work for medical reasons. Canadians quarantined can apply for EI sickness benefits.
Employment and Social Development said Service Canada is ready to support Canadians affected by Covid-19 and placed in quarantine, with the following support actions:
- The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim.
- Establishing a new dedicated toll-free phone number to support enquiries related to waiving the EI sickness benefits waiting period.
- Priority EI application processing for EI sickness claims for clients under quarantine.
Following are the new dedicated toll-free phone number for those in quarantine and seeking to waive the one-week EI sickness benefits waiting period:
- Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)
- Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-374
EI Source: Employment and Social Development Canada