Government of Nunavut Public Service

COVID-19 Questions & Answers
As of June 4, 2020
As we continue on Nunavut’s Path and begin to ease internal public health measures,
the Government of Nunavut (GN) prioritizes the safety of employees and the
Nunavummiut we serve and support.
The GN has developed a plan for public servants to return safely to the workplace. The
following Questions & Answers (Q&A) are to support our employees in their return to
the workplace by sharing information about the return process, health and safety
procedures, and other matters impacting the workplace.

Returning to the Workplace:

Q. Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) has advised that the Nunavut’s
Public Health Emergency has been extended until June 11, 2020. What does this
mean for GN employees returning to work?
A: Although the Public Health Emergency has been extended until June 11, 2020, the
GN is following the advice of Nunavut’s CPHO and Workers’ Safety and Compensation
Commission (WSCC) to have GN employees return back to the workplace as of June 8,
2020.

Q. How will I know when I am required to return to the workplace?

A. In general, GN employees will be returning to the workplace on June 8, 2020.
Q. What do I need to do to bring my employees back to the workplace?
A: Supervisors are to refer to the Health, Safety and Wellness Checklist to assess and
prepare the workplace for employee return.

Q. What do I need to know about returning to the workplace?

A. Supervisors will provide employees with information about returning to the workplace.
Employees can also refer to the Return to the Workplace Checklist for Employees for
more information.

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Q. Are employees returning to the workplace all at once?

A. The health and safety of all GN employees and the Nunavummiut we serve is a top
priority. In general, all GN employees will be returning to the workplace on June 8,
2020. Using the Health, Safety and Wellness, Checklist tool, supervisors will assess
the workplace to ensure compliance with all return to work measures and WSCC
recommendations, and in doing so may determine that special considerations need to
be made to the workplace for a safe return of their employees. These can include
rotational staffing, reorganization of workflow, orientating workstations so employees do
not face one another, temporary relocation of workstation, etc.
 
Q: What options do employees have if their regular childcare arrangements are
affected by school closures?
A: Information regarding options to employees affected by school closures can be found
here.

Q: Can employees bring their child(ren) to the workplace and care for them while
at work?
A: No. The GN is supporting employees to balance their work and childcare
responsibilities through flexible work schedules or leave options, with the prior approval
of the employee’s supervisor. In order to support social distancing, there is limited public
access to GN offices at this time.

Q. I do not have any child(ren) / child(ren) under the age of 12. Can I work from
home?
A: The GN is working to have all employees return to the workplace as of June 8, 2020.
Should there be exceptions to an employee’s workplace or their personal situation that
would impact their full return to the physical workplace, employees are to immediately
contact their supervisor.

Q. How is the GN making sure employees are safe in the workplace?

A. The government is working with CPHO and WSCC to implement safety procedures
and guidelines to return employees to the workplace.

Q. Do I have to return to the workplace if I have a pre-existing condition /

compromised immune system?
A. The employee shall work with their supervisor and their Human Resources division
through the government’s medical accommodation process.

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Q. Can we have in-person meetings?

A. Meetings should be conducted virtually if possible and physical distancing must be
maintained in meetings.

Q. Is the government planning to move employees around to work in other

locations?
A. Using the Health, Safety and Wellness Checklist, supervisors will assess the
workplace to ensure compliance with all Public Health and WSCC returning to
workplace recommendations and measures. Returning employees to the workplace
may require creative solutions such as temporary changes to an employee’s
workspace.

Q. Can I wear a mask/gloves when I return to the workplace?

A. It is up to the discretion of the employee on whether they prefer to wear their own
non-medical grade mask/gloves in the workplace. Please note that wearing a mask
and/or gloves does not replace frequent handwashing for 20 seconds and maintaining
social distancing at all times.

Q. What happens if there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in Nunavut?

A. The GN prioritizes the health and safety of our employees and the Nunavummiut we
serve. Direction will be taken from Public Health and WSCC and implement its
recommendations.

Leave & Attendance:

Q. I have been advised by my supervisor that I am to return to the workplace;

however, I would like to take personal leave. What is the process?
A. Employees are all required to follow the regular request for leave procedures and
await approval before taking their requested leave.

Q. What do I do if I experience flu-like symptoms?

A. Please remain at home and contact your supervisor by phone to let them know you
are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Please contact Nunavut Public Health for
appropriate medical attention.

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Q. Will I be paid for my leave from the workplace due to flu-like symptoms or if
under COVID-19 quarantine?
A. Yes. All Government of Nunavut employees who are unable to attend work because
they are experiencing COVID-19 flu-like symptoms and have been attended to by Public
Health will be placed on Self-Isolation Paid Leave until cleared by Public Health.

Supervisors are to submit a Leave Application on behalf of their employee using the
place holder code Special Leave – Quarantine (Reason Code 08). No special leave
credits will be taken.

Q. If I am away from the workplace due to flu-like symptoms and awaiting COVID-
19 test results from Public Health will that impact my Sick or Special Leave
credits?
A. No. An employee’s Leave and Attendance Record will reflect that they were away
from work. Special Leave – Quarantine (Reason Code 08) will be used as the place
holder code on the employee’s leave and attendance forms during this absence.

Q. If I am away from work because I am experiencing flu-like symptoms and

awaiting Public Health COVID-19 test results will I be required to submit a medical
certificate?
A. No. The GN does reserve the right to request a medical certificate, but will do so only
if approved, after consultation, by Employee Relations.

Q. If I am not feeling well and unable to undertake the duties of my position but
my illness does not seem to be related to COVID-19 and/or I have been advised by
Public Health that a COVID-19 test is not required as my illness is not related to
COVID, what leave am I to request?
A: Employees are to contact their supervisors as per the regular sick leave notification
process and are to apply for regular Sick Leave. This leave will be deducted from an
employee’s sick leave credits.

Support Services:

Q. Who can I or my family members contact for additional support at this time?
A. Under circumstances such as these, it is natural to experience different levels of
anxiety and stress. You may wish to speak to your supervisor, but you or your family
can also contact Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program
(EFAP). It is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week at, 1-800-663-1142.

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