Are quarantined employees eligible for paid time-off work?

As politicians continue to urge Canadians to refrain from travelling, self-isolate when required, and practice social distancing; employers are asking if employees are entitled to paid-time off when quarantined or required to stay home as of the result of a corporate policy.

Response from Employment Insurance

Employees that are quarantined or required to self-isolate will be eligible for sickness benefits as of their first day off work and will not be require to satisfy the waiting period.

Furthermore, to release pressure on the medical system, EI is not requiring a medical note for any absence of 14 days due to quarantine.

To streamline queries and claims, Employment Insurance has also established a dedicated toll-free phone number 1-833-381-2725 and any claims related to COVID-19 will receive priority processing.

Response from insurers regarding COVID-19 quarantined employees

As a general rule of thumb, insurers will pay short term disability benefits to employees who are required to be under quarantine and are unable to work from home. For conditions relating to a specific situation, please consult your insurance provider.

Salary continuance and SUB Plans

Employers which internally administer a salary continuance plan in case of sickness and those that top-up Employment Insurance benefits may provide income replacement to employees that are unable to work from home during a period of quarantine or self-isolation. The recommendation is to waive administrative requirements such as a doctor’s note or formal claim forms. The amount of salary paid should follow what is stipulated under your sick leave policy.