- updated March 28, 2023
Only Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) can provide clearance to staff to return to work. This webpage was created to help guide all staff through the right process to return to work.
What is a high risk exposure? Read the definition here »
- Source is CONFIRMED POSITIVE for COVID-19 by PCR / RAT (or symptomatic following known contact with someone who is known to have been positive at that time)
- Exposure occurred during the period when the COVID-19 positive source may have been infectious, starting from 2 days before their symptoms started until 10 days after the onset of symptoms.
- The exposure was significant with respect to risk of transmission.
- AT WORK:
- No N95 while in room during an AGMP on a COVID positive patient; OR
- Incomplete PPE for droplet and contact precautions with a COVID positive patient (e.g. no eye protection) within 6 ft for at least 15 minutes.
- OUTSIDE OF WORK:
- The source was NOT MASKED and you were within 6 ft of them for at least 15 minutes, even if you wore a mask. This would include people who live with you.
- AT WORK:
For nursing and health profession students »
Please note: this is the latest process. Anyone previously evaluated by OHS should continue to follow the guidance you have received. This is only for moving forward assessments and situations.
Click the headings below to read guidance:
- Stay home and do not report to work with infectious symptoms. If you develop symptoms while at work, notify your manager/supervisor, go home and report to OHS through the eNurse (ca/OHSeNurse)
- Fever, chills, unexplained myalgia – you must be free of fever, chills, unexplained myalgia for 24 hours before returning to work.
- Vomiting and Diarrhea of probable infectious cause – you must be free of gastrointestinal symptoms for 48 hours before returning to work.
- Acute Respiratory Tract Infection – Remain off work until symptoms start to improve, which may take 2 to 5 days. Note: persistent cough may last beyond 5 days but you may return to work after this time with cough alone.
For security reasons, staff need to be able to access Sunnynet to use OHS E-nurse. Read tips on how to access the eNurse from home.
When returning to work post respiratory symptoms, follow work self-isolation for 10 days from the onset of symptoms.
Employees with the following conditions must be seen in OHS to be cleared to return to work:
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- If diagnosed with viral conjunctivitis (watery discharge, pain and swelling around eyes) you must not provide direct patient care for a full 14 days after onset. If diagnosed with purulent conjunctivitis caused by other microorganisms you must not provide direct patient care until your symptoms resolve.
Remember:
- Allergies can cause similar symptoms. In cases where allergy medication or over the counter eye drops are not effective, you should see your doctor.
Chicken pox/shingles
- If diagnosed with chicken pox, you must remain off work until all lesions are dried or crusted.
- If diagnosed with shingles, your fitness to work will be assessed by OHS on an individual basis.
Other
- Infectious rashes, open sores, cold sores and other potentially communicable diseases must be assessed by OHS.
You may continue to work and no longer need to report to OHS, but must do the following:
- Follow work self-isolation and monitor for development of any symptom for 10-days from the end of a known high-risk exposure.
- If symptoms develop, be excluded from work immediately as usual and report through the eNurse.
Follow guidance from IPAC on Sunnynet specific to the outbreak unit. Monitor for development of any symptoms and if these develop, go home and report your symptoms to OHS through the eNurse.
If you have any questions, please e-mail the OHS Clinic at ohssurveillance@sunnybrook.ca or call ext. 64175.
