On March 17, 2020, the Alberta Employment Standards Code was amended by an Order in Council, to provide for a new 14 day unpaid leave for employees under quarantine (“Quarantine Leave”), which includes any self-isolation as a result of COVID-19. Quarantine Leave may be extended beyond 14 days by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer, in order to slow or prevent the spread of COVID 19. Quarantine Leave is in addition to the 16 week entitlement for Long-Term Illness and Injury Leave.
Employees wishing to take Quarantine Leave are exempt from:
- the threshold requirement of having been employed for 90 days;
- the requirement to provide an employer with a medical certificate in respect of this leave; and
- the requirements to provide notice of the employee’s date of intended return.
This article provides only general information about legal issues and developments, and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Please see our disclaimer for more details.