MANDATORY MASKS
November 23, 2020
As the Covid 19 pandemic has moved into it’s second wave Canada Post has announced as of Monday November 23rd at 12:01 am, masks or face coverings are mandatory for anyone who enters any CPC facility.
As this may have come to a surprise to some, CPC has also stated that they will allow an adjustment period. They will not enforce this until 12:01 am Thursday, November 26th.
This means after 12:01 am Thursday November 26th you will NOT be allowed in any CPC facility without wearing a face covering. There are no exceptions other than the few noted below.
CPC is responsible for suppling you with a mask. It is their mandate to enforce this, therefore they must supply you with the equipment, just like your uniform.
Below are reasons for this change:
- Across the country, more employees have contracted Covid 19 in the last six weeks than the previous six months.
- The Public Health agency of Canada (PHAC) recently advised Canadians to wear a face covering when they are in shared indoor spaces with people from outside their immediate household. They also say that wearing a face covering offers some protection to the person wearing it as well as others.
- Our Provincial health authority has made this a requirement for all of British Columbians.
HERE ARE THE EXPECTAIONS WHILE AT WORK:
- Face coverings must be worn in every interior and exterior work space (such as loading docks) starting at the entrance to the facility. That includes work centers, sortation cases, washrooms, hallways, entrances, stairwells and break rooms.
- Indoor spaces outside of the facility (such as during delivery or pickups in buildings). Also, in places such as a multi-unit residential building, stores, offices, and their common areas, such as entrances, lobbies and hallways.
- Some exceptions:
- If you are alone in an enclosed vehicle;
- If you are eating or drinking in the lunch or break room/pod/cafeteria and maintain 2 meters physical distancing.
- If you need to briefly remove your face coving where 2 meters of physical distancing is maintained (to take a drink of water for example)
- People who are on approved accommodation that can’t wear a mask for medical or religious reasons. (This will need to be substantiated by way of a note from your doctor) (or if for religious reasons the employer will require you to fill out a questionnaire.)
Other Information
As always maintain physical distancing, practice frequent handwashing and self-assess each day. These steps are crucial for everyone’s health and well-being.
A facemask is defined as a cloth mask, medical or non-medical that covers the nose, mouth and chin without gaping. You can supply your own mask if you wish or use the ones CPC will provide.
Please take care of yourselves and each other.
In solidarity,
Blair Bancroft
1st VP
Vancouver Local 846