Is it COVID-19 or just a regular cold or flu? It can be hard to tell. If you’re not sure you can do a self-assessment online at Manitoba Shared Health;

https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/

If your symptoms do seem like you might have COVID-19 you need to call Health links and speak with a nurse. You cannot get tested for COVID-19 until you call Health links.

Health links 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257

There is a lot of information here to check into but in summary there are a few options for you to look into below.

If you are having trouble navigating these systems or have additional questions, you should contact your union representative directly or reach out to the Community Unemployed Help Centre (CUHC).

All of the CUHC’s services are provided free of charge. They can be reached by calling 1-866-942-6556 or by email at cuhc@cuhc.mb.ca.

Employment Insurance (EI)

The existing Employment Insurance (EI) system has been revamped in the wake of the pandemic in order to be more responsive to the needs of workers in our current economy. Some of the temporary changes that have been implemented are hourly credits, which reduces the number of hours worked that an applicant needs in order to qualify for benefits to 120 and the implementation of a minimum benefit of at least $500 before taxes or $300 for extended parental leave benefits. If you had been receiving CERB benefits, you may also not have to apply for EI, however, if you have a social insurance number beginning in 9, are self-employed, previously indicated that you had returned to work full-time, or received your CERB benefits through the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) you will have to apply directly for EI.

Check out this page for more information

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

If you don’t qualify for EI, there may be other programs that are right for you. The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is very similar to CERB and provides benefits for those workers who don’t qualify for EI but haven’t yet been able to return to work. The CRB is almost a CERB-lite program in that it provides a weekly benefit of $500 to eligible workers who have lost their income entirely, or had it reduced by at least 50%, due to the COVID-19 pandemic for up to 26 weeks.

Learn more about the Canada Recovery Benefit here

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

Alternatively, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) would provide a benefit of $500 a week for those who have lost their income as a result of having to care for a sick child or family member or have a higher risk of serious health outcomes due to COVID-19, like the CRB this program can last for up to 26 weeks.

Learn more about the CRCB

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

Finally, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) provides $500 per week to workers who have contracted, or had to self-isolate, due to COVID-19 and is available for up to 2 weeks. The CRSB is also available to workers who have an underlying condition that would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

Learn more about the CRSB

If you’re out of work, you might be worried about paying your bills or managing your debt. For help you can contact the Credit Counselling Society of Manitoba. They are a non-profit group of professionals who can help you pay back your debt.

Credit Counselling Society Manitoba

204-942-8789 or 1-888-527-8999

It’s understandable to be feeling stressed out right now. The news is scary and no one is sure when things will be back to normal.

Here are some tips for managing stress;

https://manitoba.ca/covid19/bewell/managestress.html

If you’d like to speak with a therapist, for free, go to this link:

https://manitoba.abiliticbt.com/home

If you, or a family member, has an urgent mental health need please contact one of the following resources;

Klinic Crisis Line
204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
TTY 204-784-4097

Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line
1-877-435-7170 (1-877-HELP170)

Kids Help Phone (national line available to Manitoba Youth)
1-800-668-6868

Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line
204-786-8631 or 1-888-292-7565
TTY 204-784-4097

Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services
supportline.ca – online counselling
1-866-367-3276 (hours Mon-Fri 10 am to 9 pm)

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
1‑855‑242-3310
Counselling available in English and French – upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktut

The Workplace Safety and Health Act gives employees the right to refuse work if they believe on reasonable grounds that the work constitutes a danger to their safety or health.

Your Union has received a large number of member concerns about going to work and interacting with the public and/or with co-workers.  At this time, Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health has determined that attending work in the context of the Corona virus does not constitute a danger as long as precautions are being taken by the employer and employees.  It is important that you familiarize yourself with all employer implemented precautions and that you follow all of the rules carefully.

As your Union we have been raising issues as they arise with all of the employer groups.  If you believe that there are other precautions that can be taken, please contact your Union Representative.

You can also contact Workplace Safety and Health directly by clicking on the link below or calling the numbers listed below.

https://www.manitoba.ca/labour/safety/

Winnipeg: 204-957-SAFE (7233)

Toll-free: 1-855-957-SAFE (7233)

Yes, you have the right to file a claim with the Workers Compensation Board if you have reason to believe you got COVID-19 at your workplace.

You may be able to use sick leave or other paid leave credits such as vacation or accrued overtime. If not, you can apply for CERB.
*Some employers are doing more for their employees, check with your Union Rep 

No, under federal law your job is protected for up to 16 weeks if you must miss work because of reasons related to COVID-19. You do not need a doctor’s note but your employer may ask you to write a letter explaining why you are off work.

It can be scary to go anywhere during the pandemic. If you need to stay home because of a medical leave or family responsibility you may qualify for unpaid statutory leave.

First, call your Union rep and let them know, they may be able to resolve the problem quickly.

If that doesn’t work, the province has now put fines in places for those who disregard public health orders.

In Winnipeg, reports of non-compliance can be made by calling: 311 or by email at 311@winnipeg.ca, or Twitter:@cityofwinnipeg.

Outside of Winnipeg, reports of non-compliance can be made to the Manitoba Government Inquiry (MGI) inquiry line at 204-945-3744 or by email at mgi@gov.mb.ca.