COVID-19 Recommendations: Postponing Local Union Meetings

With the recent announcement by the World Health Organization that the Corona Virus / COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic, it is recommended that local unions postpone or cancel any meetings that are scheduled to occur in the near future. For monthly local union meetings, please employ the discretion found in the constitution allowing locals to meet less frequently.  

With the number of cases in Canada still relatively low, it is important to remain calm and not panic – but also take all necessary precautions to keep USW members and their families safe. The expectation is that the situation could escalate over the coming days and weeks, so it is crucial that we all take measures to best ensure our collective wellbeing.

The union is monitoring the situation closely as it continues to evolve and is following the advice of health authorities. Any additional information will be posted on the website and on the union’s social media.

There are several, common sense precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming ill with COVID-19 or of spreading the virus to others, including:

• Know the symptoms of COVID-19: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The symptoms seem to begin 2 to 14 days after an exposure.
• If you develop symptoms, call your health care provider for advice rather than stopping by their office where you may infect others.
• If you have had a known exposure to someone who has been confirmed to have COVID-19 or is quarantined, self-quarantine for two weeks.
• Avoid crowded settings, to the best of your ability or reduce your time there.

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