Premier urges employers to ‘do their part’ as cases of COVID-19 rise in B.C.
Posted March 4, 2020 6:58 pm.
Last Updated March 5, 2020 5:43 am.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – The province is looking to employers to do their part as B.C. grapples with the new and changing reality with COVID-19.
Premier John Horgan says government and businesses continue to adjust to the changing landscape of life with the coronavirus, and the rapid spread of the virus in different countries.
A bit more on #Covid_19 from @jjhorgan with few cases here see ppl can still go about their lives with precautions – washing hands, stay home if sick, bumping elbows instead of shaking hands – take guidance from experts – and asked about stockpiling #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/jyu1CU1ovh
— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) March 4, 2020
Health care professionals continue to advise the public to take all the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including washing hands and staying at home if sick.
As for #Covid_19 advice @jjhorgan says we are in great hands with Bonnie Henry . Also says businesses without sick leave benefits should think about changing that #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/9ngUY0thVR
— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) March 4, 2020
Horgan says while the virus spreads, employers should think ahead when it comes to their employees, especially those who don’t get sick leave.
“I think employers should also play a role here if they don’t have sick leave benefits for their employees in these circumstances,” he says. “I think they might want to consider that as a solid investment in not just their employees but their business.”
As for financial leave for people who have to take time away from work Horgan says the federal government has some tools that may be available, like unemployment insurance.
So far there have been 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in B.C.