The Toronto Star released our open letter, signed by over 175 health providers, as a Star Exclusive online and in print on February 4, 2020.
Requiring sick notes “goes against all public health advice that urges people with mild illnesses to rest at home and not expose others to infection, particularly vulnerable patients at busy medical clinics,” said network co-ordinator Carolina Jimenez, a registered nurse. Since the notes are not covered by OHIP, the policy also disadvantages low-income workers who may already be losing a day’s pay, she added.
Toronto Star
For example, Jimenez recently advised a receptionist with chills and nausea to stay home, but she continued to work because losing pay meant she would have trouble paying rent .
“Instead of being sick for two or three days, the woman’s illness dragged on for more than 10 days. She actually became quite ill,” said Jimenez, who also has a master’s degree in public health. “All the while, she was infecting people coming into the clinic as well as co-workers.”
Toronto Star
Read the full article here.