New mandatory health measures: are now in force!
The CSF wants to remind its members on the importance of strictly following the new health measures announced by the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) and François Legault, to control the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
Wearing a mask on an ongoing basis
Continuously wearing a medical mask or one that has been certified by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) indoors in all work environments is mandatory as of today throughout the province. More specifically, this means that employees may no longer remove it, even in front of their computer.
When working outside, such as during meetings with colleagues or clients in a open space or a park, wearing a mask is mandatory if interactions happening at less than two metres are unavoidable.
However, there are some exceptions. Employees must wear a mask, except:
- for other health and safety purposes;
- if it compromises communication, understanding or learning.
We would also like to point out that these measures do not apply to people working by themselves in a closed room, nor at meal times.
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Wearing a mask continuously is an addition to other preventive measures implemented in work environments, including minimization of contacts, physical distancing, various physical barriers, hand hygiene and appropriate ventilation. The CNESST also states that this new measure does not modify the importance of two metre-distancing and using physical barriers. |
Travelling
It is now prohibited to travel from red or orange zones to yellow zone regions, except for essential trips. Thus affected are the Gaspésie−Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions.
Travelling to red and orange zones is still not recommended, except for essential trips like those taken by workers to get to their work location, for school, medical appointments, goods shipping or in case of parents sharing custody.
The CSF encourages its members to opt for information technology apps available to communicate with their colleagues and clients.
It is not for the CSF to ponder which situations would allow you to travel from one zone to another or during curfew. However, here are a few examples that may provide guidance:
- Emergency situation (that cannot be resolved through priority mail) with regard to insurance or investment for a client who doesn’t use information technology.
- A new client who doesn’t use information technology but you must identify before providing your services.
- Urgent requirements for a signature on documents if unable to get a valid electronic signature.
Working from home remains mandatory, with some exceptions, in orange and red zones; it is recommended in yellow zones
Monitor the situation in your region on a regular basis
Curfew
The curfew between 9:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. remains in effect in the province, except in zones targeted by special emergency measures, where it starts at 8 p.m.
Should you need to travel during curfew to go to work or to return home, you must obtain a duly completed and signed authorization from your employer to justify your trip with the said authorities.
To do so, you must download the document called Attestation de l’employeur – Déplacement durant le couvre-feu décrété par le gouvernement du Québec on the Confinement du Québec dans le contexte de la COVID-19 page, in the Couvre-feu section.
If you are your own employer, fill out the form on behalf of your business or on behalf of yourself if you are not incorporated.
| As you know, The work of financial advisors has been deemed essential at the beginning of the pandemic. They remain qualified as such and are not listed among the economic sectors involved in this lock-down order. |
Special emergency measures for certain zones
You have questions? Contact us at info@chambresf.com.
