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COVID-19

ETFO's Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

Last updated: November 2021


Note: Useful occupational health and safety references are posted on www.etfohealthandsafety.ca


As we all pull together to try and slow the spread of COVID-19, ETFO is working to keep our members, employees and others safe.

 

ETFO has reached out to the Ministry of Education and will continue to work with them as necessary to ensure that our schools are safe places for our students, and for the educators who work with them. We are also working to ensure that our members’ rights are upheld during these unprecedented times.

 

In light of developments and Government decisions pertaining to organized events and social gatherings, ETFO will continue to offer programs to members virtually until the new year.


Please contact your local ETFO representative with any questions related to the impact of COVID-19.


We are grateful for your patience and support during this period of rapid change.


Equity and Women’s Services (EWS) has provided an overview of some of the ways in which different groups have been impacted by COVID-19. In the following documents, members will learn more about these issues and community partners who are working towards solutions while also providing useful resources for members.


Resources related to COVID-19 including emerging equity issues, mental health resources, and helpful links are available below:

Emerging Equity Issues in a COVID-19 World

Resources

Info Sheet: Keeping 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Safe in a Virtual World

7/14/2021

Read More

Resources

Info Sheet: Emerging Equity Issues in a COVID-19 World

5/26/2020

Read More

Resources

COVID: Supporting Students with Disabilities and Distance Learning

4/23/2020

Read More

Resources on COVID-19

Videos

Video: Colin Furness on how Safer Schools Mean Safer Communities

4/16/2021

Read More

Videos

Video Message: Prioritize Vaccines

4/12/2021

Read More

Videos

Mental Health with Dr. Donna Ferguson: Maintaining optimal mental health, particularly during the pandemic

3/11/2021

Read More

Return To School and COVID-19: Expert Evidence On the Government’s Reopening Plan

On October 7, 2020, AEFO, ETFO, OECTA and OSSTF/FEESO held a media conference featuring three experts who were retained by the unions to provide objective expert testimony at their Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) hearing on the province’s return to school plan.  Because the OLRB dismissed the case based on jurisdictional grounds, these expert witnesses and their reports were not heard.
 
Below are the Expert Reports from Dr. David Fisman, epidemiologist at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at University of Toronto, who also serves as a Consultant in Infectious Diseases at the University Health Network, Dr. Amy Greer, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Population Disease Modeling, University of Guelph and Associate Professor in Epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and Dr. Jeff Siegel, professor of civil engineering at the University of Toronto and a specialist in indoor air quality, ventilation and filtration.

Download the reports here.

ETFO has produced two videos with Dr. Donna Ferguson:

Maintaining optimal mental health, particularly during the pandemic
Mental Health with Dr. Donna Ferguson: Talking about stress, anxiety and panic

ETFO has created a list of mental health resources to support educators:

For specific resources supporting conversations about anti-Black racism from School Mental Health Ontario:

  1. Supporting The Mental Health And Well-Being Of Students Who Will Return To School Remotely
  2. Supporting Mentally Healthy Conversations About Anti-Black Racism With Students


Ontario Ministry of Health

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ontario Public Health Units

Ontario Public Health Units List and Links
 
Social Media
Twitter - @ONTHealth
Facebook - @ONThealth

Public Health Ontario

Public Health Ontario
Santé publique Ontario
 
Social Media
Twitter - @PublicHealthON
Facebook - @PublicHealthON

Public Health Agency of Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada
Agence de la santé publique du Canada
 
Social Media
Twitter - @PHAC_GC
Facebook - Public Health Agency of Canada

World Health Organization

World Health Organization (WHO)
 
Social Media
Twitter - @WHO
Facebook - @WHO

The Canadian Labour Congress COVID-19 Resource Center
COVID-19 Information from the Ontario Federation of Labour

OTIP

Coronavirus (COVID-19) : Information for plan members
Coronavirus (COVID-19) : Information pour les membres

Employee Assistance Program

All employees are encouraged to access the resources and supports provided in your local Employee Assistance Program.

Telehealth Ontario

Telehealth Ontario
ConnexOntario

24/7 Free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness and/or gambling.  Funded by the Government of Ontario.
 
Social Media
Twitter - @ConnexOntario
Facebook - ConnexOntario