CCG/6102 National Standard Operating Procedure (NSOP)
503 - COVID-19 - Helicopter Operations Personnel

1. If the employee is experiencing a sudden onset of any of the following symptoms which may be attributed to COVID-19 rather than for example seasonal allergies or a known medical condition^{Footnote 1}:
   • new or worsening cough
   • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • temperature equal to or over 37.5 °C
   • feeling feverish
   • chills
   • fatigue or weakness
   • muscle or body aches
   • new loss of smell or taste
   • headache (new, persistent, unexplained, unusual or long-lasting) (not related to other known causes or conditions)
   • gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
   • feeling very unwell
2. And/or if the employee meets any of the following exposure criteria:
   1. 2.1. has returned from travel outside of Canada in the last 14 days
   2. 2.2. has had close contact with a person who has returned from outside Canada within 14 days of the helicopter personnel’s close contact and who are symptomatic for COVID-19
   3. 2.3. has had close contact with a suspected, confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days

Employees who are sent home due to suspected COVID-19 are directed to contact their local public health authority to find out more about self-assessment, quarantine and testing.

Pilots and maintenance personnel are directed to contact their respective managers at Transport Canada Aircraft Services Directorate (TC ASD). The manager will require the employee who is suspected to have COVID-19 to provide an update of their testing and condition as soon as received. For further information on contact tracing, see NSOP 526 COVID-19 – Canadian Coast Guard Contact Tracing Activities.

1. If a local public health authority deems that an employee requires to be tested, the employee must notify their supervisor and remain in self-isolation as directed by health professional until results are received. Public health authorities will provide a procedure to follow if the employee is confirmed to have COVID-19.
2. For the safety of fellow employees, once test results are obtained, regardless of the outcome, the employee must contact their supervisor for further direction:
   1. 2.1. If the employee is confirmed to have COVID-19: protocols identified by the local public health authorities are to be followed.
   2. 2.2. If the employee's results are negative for COVID-19: a return-to-work plan and date is to be discussed with the supervisor.

1. If helicopter personnel are working from vessels, the onboard rescue specialist is to contact the local telemedical assistance service (TMAS) for advice on further assessment, protocols, and procedures. Should the rescue specialist require close contact with an employee who is suspected to have COVID-19, they must encourage the employee to perform hygiene/cough etiquette and wear the appropriate PPE:
   1. 1.1. medical mask (procedural or surgical mask)
   2. 1.2. long-sleeved gown or disposable coverall (for example, Tyvek)^{Footnote 2}
   3. 1.3. gloves
   4. 1.4. eye protection

   Note:

   N95 mask is required when providing direct care to COVID-19 patients in settings where aerosol-generating procedures are frequently in place. Aerosol-generating procedures are: tracheal intubation, non-invasive ventilation, tracheotomy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, manual ventilation before intubation, bronchoscopy.^{Footnote 3}

2. Pilots and maintenance personnel are directed to contact their respective managers at TC ASD. The manager will require the employee to provide an update of their testing and condition as soon as received.

1. Vessel will arrange through the ROC the best way to get an employee who is suspected to have COVID-19 off the vessel.
2. The commanding officer will advise the employee who is suspected to have COVID-19 to provide an update of their testing and next steps once disembarked.

Any workspaces used or occupied by employees who are suspected to have COVID-19 are to be disinfected as per NSOP 518 COVID-19 – Cleaning and Disinfection Routine of the Workplace.

If the rescue specialist donned PPE for close contact with an employee who is suspected to have COVID-19, they must follow NSOP 502 - COVID-19 - Instructions for Rescue Specialist and Marine first Responders in Assisting a Suspected COVID-19 Patient.