Original: 2020-03-20 Revised: 2022-08-16 Approved by Marc Mes, Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, on August 16, 2022.
Purpose
This national standard operating procedure (NSOP) is to outline the direction for shore-based personnel relating to COVID-19, including suspected exposure and mandatory rapid testing requirements.
Procedure
Using the information and tools available to limit the spread of COVID-19, all Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel are expected to exercise fair and reasonable judgement in evaluating the health and safety risk they present to others in their workplace. Employees will need to keep their supervisor informed of any changes in their health situation.
It is recommended that employees seeking access to Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) controlled installations Footnote 1, vessels, helicopters and vehicles (hereinafter referred to as CCG installations and assets) complete the COVID-19 Canadian Coast Guard health screening questionnaire (as per CCG circular 20-2022) prior to entry.
It is recommended that employees working in operational centers that require regular access to CCG installations and assets (MCTS, ROC, JRCC, etc.) Footnote 2 self-test using COVID-19 rapid testing prior to the start of their shift cycle.
Regions will develop their respective implementation plans containing information regarding distribution of COVID-19 tests and related personal protective equipment (PPE), testing coordination, as well as return to work conditions.
All personal information collected is to be managed according to Protected B protocols.
CCG regions may prescribe additional measures beyond those outlined within this NSOP in accordance with operational needs, and variances in local public health guidance or protocols.
Procedure for shore-based personnel
| Step |
Procedure |
| 1. |
- At home, if the employee receives a positive COVID-19 test result, or is experiencing any of the following symptoms, which may be attributed to COVID-19Footnote 3:
- 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
- 1.1 They must contact their supervisor to inform them of their health situation.
- 1.2 They must refer to their local public health authority for available direction on self-isolation, quarantine and return to work conditions.
- 1.3 To return to work after experiencing symptoms, or testing positive for COVID-19, they must have completed self-isolation (minimum of 5 days), be asymptomatic or receive clearance from their manager or supervisor (or their designate) using a risk-based approach. As a condition of clearance, the manager or supervisor (or their designate) may require the use of additional health and safety measures such as rapid testing or mandatory masking.
- 1.4 They are encouraged to keep their supervisors informed of any changes in their health situation.
- 1.5 While in isolation, or when employees return to work, they are encouraged to continue to abide by sanitation measures.
|
| 2. |
- At work, if the employee is experiencing any of the following symptoms, which may be attributed to COVID-19Footnote 4:
- 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
- 1.1 they must advise their supervisor immediately
- An employee or a supervisor may determine that an employee poses a potential risk to their own well-being or the well-being of other employees. Should the need arise, the employee suspected to have COVID-19 would be provided a mask, be separated from coworkers, encouraged to perform hygiene/cough etiquette (by using hand sanitizers for example), and sent home.
|
| 3. |
If an employee is required to wait for transport home, identify a place for them to wait, at a minimum 2 metres (6 feet) away from all other persons to exercise appropriate physical distancing. |
| 4. |
- Employees sent home due to suspected COVID-19 are directed to contact their local public health authority for available direction on self-isolation, quarantine and return to work conditions.
- To return to work after experiencing symptoms, or testing positive for COVID-19, employees must have completed self-isolation (minimum of 5 days), be asymptomatic or receive clearance from their manager or supervisor (or their designate) using a risk-based approach. As a condition of clearance, the manager or supervisor (or their designate) may require the use of additional health and safety measures such as rapid testing or mandatory masking.
- Workspaces used or occupied by employees suspected to have COVID-19 are to be disinfected as per NSOP 518 COVID-19 - Cleaning and Disinfection Routine of the Workplace.
|
| 5. |
The supervisor is to contact the National Command Centre or the Regional Operations Center and a preliminary A-to-E Report is to be sent immediately. |
| 6. |
Refer to: NSOP 526 COVID-19 - Canadian Coast Guard Contact Tracing Activities to initiate contact tracing. |
It is normal to be concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic, especially if you or those you know are directly affected by the situation. If you have any concerns and would like to talk to someone, contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-800-268-7708 and/or speak directly with your supervisor.
Enquiries
Enquiries regarding this procedure should be directed to:
