Human Resources

• What are the isolation and quarantine requirements for Covid-19?

  Please refer to the latest requirements at https://www.alberta.ca/isolation.aspx.

• What if I was required to take a physical COVID-19 test and it was negative? Can I come back to work?

  Yes. However, if you experience any contagious illnesses please stay home until your symptoms are resolved.

• I must self-isolate or I have to take time off work to care for a dependent, I don’t have paid leave or other income support left. Is there financial aid available to me?

  Please refer to the Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

• Information for everything related to close contacts for Covid-19

  Please refer to Close Contacts of a COVID-19 Case | Alberta Health Services

• I have a medical condition that puts me at a higher risk for illness, what should I do?

  You are encouraged to report your condition to your supervisor. They will work with you to see if a lower risk alternative is available (i.e. working from home).

• I am worried about myself or a loved one getting sick. What resources are there for me?

  If you or your family are looking for support, please go to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) page located on Cygnet to access the program. Additional Resources are available if you, or someone you know, are struggling or need support and advice on handling stressful situations or talking to young children.

  Mental health and coping with COVID-19 (CDC)
  Talking with children about COVID-19 (CDC)
  Help in Tough Times (AHS)

• Who should I talk to about my eligibility to work from home?

  Contact your direct supervisor to discuss your eligibility to work remotely. The Hybrid Remote Work Policy is applicable to "non-operating" roles (those roles that can be performed remotely due to the nature of the job duties) with Manager approval.

• Can I adjust my start and end time of my shift while working from home to accommodate my home/childcare situation?

  Working remotely does not alter or replace the terms of an existing employment contract. Employees are expected to maintain full productivity while working from home, this would include being available for the duration of your regular workday. If extenuating circumstances arise, please discuss with your manager and or reach out to Human Resources.

• Am I required to remain in my home for the duration of my shift if I am working from home?

  Working remotely does not alter or replace the terms of an existing employment contract. Employees are expected to maintain full productivity while working from home, this would include being available for the duration of your regular workday. If extenuating circumstances arise, please discuss it with your direct supervisor for approval. 

• What do I do if I have international travel plans?

  Refer to the official global travel advisory information page for the latest information.

  Sick time should not be used for mandatory isolation period when returning from international travel. Please speak to your supervisor prior to traveling to make arrangements.

• Do I still need to follow City policies and directives while working from home?

  Yes. Employees are expected to observe and adhere to all applicable City of Grande Prairie Policies, Administrative Policies, Administrative Procedures, and legislation while working from a Remote Site.

• What do I do if I have side effects after I received my Covid Vaccine?

  Refer to the following information here

Health and Safety

• Does the City have hand sanitizer? What about antiseptic wipes?

  Yes, Procurement is managing the supply chain and staff are encouraged to practice effective hand washing and avoid hand to hand contact.

• With the upcoming allergy season will employees have to stay home if their allergy symptoms act up?

  Those with allergies, chronic or pre-existing conditions can still go to work unless there are new or worsening symptoms alongside your condition. Any pre-existing conditions or allergies should be discussed with the supervisor.

• Can I refuse unsafe work?

  Yes, any employee subject to Part 2 of the code has the right to refuse unsafe work as long as they have reasonable cause to believe that it presents a danger. Please let your supervisor know if you are refusing unsafe work and they will conduct an investigation of the refusal with you. Health & Safety will also be notified.

• I have expired or mandatory training can I schedule to attend?

  Please speak to your direct supervisor to schedule any required training. https://cityofgp.sharepoint.com/sites/HealthSafety/HealthSafety/SitePages/Training-for-Health-and-Safety.aspx

• I am responsible for coordination the work of contracted services. Can I ask them any questions about their exposure to COVID-19?

  Please refer to our Covid-19 cygnet page and follow our Covid-19 contractor questionnaire.

Finance

• Due to COVID-19, how do I code my hours in my timecard?

  We have returned to normal time coding (pre-covid) and normal processes and accrual rules.

  • Sick time should not be taken for approved time off (i.e. – vacation).
  • Requested/planned time off must always be discussed and approved by your supervisor.
  • If you are sick, but have no sick time available, you can request to use vacation, OT, or PAL instead. If those banks are also not available, unpaid time off should be taken. All of these scenarios need to be approved by your supervisor.

   

• Going for a COVID vaccine during work hours?

  Code to use is BAS. If over the 3 allocated hours than PTM or PSS would be used.

Operational

• How will City facilities be affected?

  The decision to close City facilities has been determined by Alberta Health Services and Provincial Government requirements and Corporate Leadership Team (CLT). Information on closures can be found here.

Additional Resources