HHS introduces temporary self-isolation pay

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) continues to evolve its approach to ensure the appropriate measures are in place to respond to the pandemic.

During the first wave of COVID-19, Ontario Health issued temporary recommendations regarding hospital employee self-isolation pay that expired on June 30, 2020.

Beginning immediately, temporary self-isolation pay will be applied until March 31, 2021, and retroactively to August 10, 2020, subject to the progression of the pandemic and any related government orders, at HHS.

“This has been an extraordinary year, requiring us to take extraordinary actions to respond to COVID-19,” said Michele Leroux, Vice President, Human Resources. “The virus continues to progress and challenge us. We are continually assessing and adjusting our response to support our workforce and provide safe patient care.”

This step is being taken to further safeguard and protect hospital patients and workers as the pandemic’s second wave continues.

Additional information

• Self-isolation pay will apply to qualifying asymptomatic employees who are required by HHS Employee Health Services or their Public Health Unit to isolate as a result of a workplace or community exposure.
• This approach will also apply to employees scheduled and off work for COVID- 19 related illness/symptoms not eligible for sick pay.
• Retroactive payments for qualifying employees after August 10, 2020 will be paid at a later date.
• Eligibility for payment will be subject to a case-by-case assessment of individual circumstances by the hospital. Payment will not be issued to employees required to self-isolate due to travel.